Post by firelight1210 on Dec 16, 2013 12:00:21 GMT -5
I'm mostly a lurker on this board, but thought I would see if I can get any advice from you ladies, since you all seem pretty career oriented.
I have been with my current company for going on 7 years, and am looking for a change. I am in the banking industry - when I started with the credit union I was hired on as a basic member service rep/teller, and have been gradually promoted up to loan officer. This is as high an I would like to go with the company, as far as being on the branch side. I have no desire to become a manager, with THIS company, which would be the next step on the ladder. Prior to this, I was in retail for 6 years; I worked for Old Navy beginning my senior year in high school as a part time sales rep, working my way up to visual merchandiser by the time I left, with a pit stop as a front end supervisor. Basically, all my experience has been in customer service. I want to get OUT of that.
In my current position, I not only process loans, but I have a lot of admin responsibilities - I created our tracking system for logging our results to keep us on pace with our goals, I do our FedEx, our supply ordering and pretty much run our (albeit tiny) office. I have created a good reputation for myself with the company as someone who can be relied on to get the job done, very organized and easy to work with.
I would like to transition into an admin role, eventually into something into accounting. I do not have a college degree. I am an introvert and a little bit socially awkward at times. How would you recommend: 1) networking/gaining confidence/getting my name out there and 2) framing my resume for a more admin, not so customer-service oriented position .
I would like to make 2014 the year I get out of this place, and I'm willing to (finally) put myself out there and try and make it happen. I just don't know where to start.
I'm sorry if this was super rambly, ask me if I need to clarify anything. I appreciate any and all help!
Do you know anyone in admin. that you could talk to at your location or with another bank? Even talking to the branch manager at your location might help. Ask them how they moved up. What key responsibilities or training they had that helped them get the job. You don't have to tell your branch manager that you don't want to stay with the company. You can just tell him/her that you hope to move up one day and you would like their advice.
I don't know much about banking (other than having my money in one) so I don't know if there is further education that will be beneficial to you. It is rare that having a degree or more education is frowned upon when you are trying to move up the ladder. This may be something to research when you get a chance.
Post by firelight1210 on Dec 16, 2013 12:39:17 GMT -5
Thank you! I have talked to my manager about the possibility of moving out of our branch network and more towards the back office, which she is supportive of, and I would not mind staying with the company in a back office role. However, we are headquartered in Chicago, but the branch I work at is in the San Francisco bay area. In order for me to make a lateral move like that, I would either have to relocate to the Chicago area (which I am not opposed to, but my husband is) or try to sell myself as an asset in order to work remotely. And that is where the social awkwardness comes in. I do have a semi-connection with a coworker who does a lot of what I would like to do... Maybe I can reach out to her and set some time to talk, but (stupid introvert question ahead), how do I broach that topic? Just send her an email, "Hey, I'd love to be doing what you do one day, how'd you get there?"
Fire, congratulations for identifying what you LIKE and DON'T LIKE about your current role...and also what you are good at. That's a really important first step.
As far as networking - this is incredibly important, because it can help you be "on someone's radar" when an opportunity opens up. I would do this with a purpose, though. Think about companies you'd be happy in, and seek out individuals that work at those companies. Think about roles you'd like (which you've done) and look for people in your network that have similar roles.
It sounds like you'd be a fantastic office manager...which is always a position that is incredibly valuable for small businesses. Keep an eye out for those types of roles.
As far as networking - I'd recommend NOT using words like "socially awkward" in your mental dialogue. You may feel a bit uncomfortable, but remember - people love talking about themselves, so if you come armed with a few really good questions, you're likely to have a GREAT chat with anyone you meet with! Don't forget to share something of value with them - say, an interesting article about their industry or field - and you'll really stand out. It's a bit "silly" to think that your thoughts can make you more powerful, but I've found it to be true So replace that other phrase with "quiet and focused" or another more positive spin!
Also, tactically, you'll want to make sure that your resume and / or public profile on a site like LinkedIn has been tweaked to reflect your focus on project management, administrative roles, operations, etc...and dial down the customer service a bit (though of course not eliminating it completely.)
I have no doubt that someone with your skills and focus can be successful! Keep at it, and feel free to post any other specific questions!
Fire, congratulations for identifying what you LIKE and DON'T LIKE about your current role...and also what you are good at. That's a really important first step.
As far as networking - this is incredibly important, because it can help you be "on someone's radar" when an opportunity opens up. I would do this with a purpose, though. Think about companies you'd be happy in, and seek out individuals that work at those companies. Think about roles you'd like (which you've done) and look for people in your network that have similar roles.
It sounds like you'd be a fantastic office manager...which is always a position that is incredibly valuable for small businesses. Keep an eye out for those types of roles.
As far as networking - I'd recommend NOT using words like "socially awkward" in your mental dialogue. You may feel a bit uncomfortable, but remember - people love talking about themselves, so if you come armed with a few really good questions, you're likely to have a GREAT chat with anyone you meet with! Don't forget to share something of value with them - say, an interesting article about their industry or field - and you'll really stand out. It's a bit "silly" to think that your thoughts can make you more powerful, but I've found it to be true So replace that other phrase with "quiet and focused" or another more positive spin!
Also, tactically, you'll want to make sure that your resume and / or public profile on a site like LinkedIn has been tweaked to reflect your focus on project management, administrative roles, operations, etc...and dial down the customer service a bit (though of course not eliminating it completely.)
I have no doubt that someone with your skills and focus can be successful! Keep at it, and feel free to post any other specific questions!
Thank you for this @shoegal. I get easily discouraged when looking for new jobs, because I feel like there's either nothing out there, or nothing that will get me paid what I would like (I'm fairly generously compensated for my field currently), or I just feel like companies won't look at me because of my previous jobs. So thank you for seeming to see that I might have something else to offer, that means a lot.
Also, I'm aware that i shouldn't be doing any negative self-talk, which is very hard for me to stop.. that's my defense I think, is being self-deprecating. I have a very hard time taking compliments, and admitting that I might be good at something. I need to work on that, which is why I think I should be trying out this networking or just putting myself out there before applying places and interviewing.
I had 2 interviews this past year that unfortunately went nowhere, and when I think back about it, it's probably because I didn't talk myself up, or just plain did not talk enough. Maybe I should find a group or a class or something to help with that - do those even exist?
Can you look for any meetup groups or other professional's groups in your area? That's such a great way to just start practicing these types of skills...you definitely need to SELL yourself. And not in a cheesy way, but think of it like helping the person you're talking to. They can't see all the skills and experience that you bring to the table, so you need to help that person by being specific and candid about what you can do!
I've found that local libraries, community centers and even coffee shops sometimes host events where they'll do resume reviews, etcetera. You're in the bay area, so you have a ton of resources by just being near a metro area that will really help.
Good luck - I really think that with time and practice, you can up your game and become even that much more appealing to your next prospective contact / employer.
(Also, the comp piece is tricky - you'll probably need to come up with a range that you'd be happy with - no less than X, and ideally a high of Y. It sounds like you aren't happy, so you will want to weigh how much you'd be willing to flex IF need be. "Golden handcuffs" can be tricky!)