Attending the recent webinar titled "Elevating Your Job Search: How to Showcase Your Achievements," hosted by Andrew Seaman with guest speaker May Busch, was an eye-opening experience. As a recruiter in the financial services industry, I found their insights particularly valuable for financial advisors seeking new opportunities or promotions. Here’s a comprehensive overview tailored to help you leverage these strategies effectively.

Overcoming Old Beliefs

One of the key takeaways from the webinar was the importance of reframing old, limiting beliefs. Many of us were raised with the idea that talking about our achievements is bragging or that our work should speak for itself. May Busch emphasized the need to shift from these old beliefs to new, empowering ones:

• Old Belief: Bragging
  New Belief: Sharing key information

• Old Belief: Work speaks for itself
  New Belief: Attract opportunities / "Team needs me"

• Old Belief: Awkward
  New Belief: Expected

This mindset shift is crucial for financial advisors who often feel that their achievements are self-explanatory.

Strategies to Showcase Your Achievements

Here are five strategies discussed in the webinar that can help you effectively showcase your achievements:

1. Create a Case Study:

   • Develop a one-pager that outlines a specific achievement, complete with graphs and bullet points.

   • Use this document as a follow-up after an interview or as a training tool to show colleagues how to replicate your success.

   • This is particularly useful if you prefer not to improvise in interviews.

2. Let Them See You in Action:

   • Invite potential employers or colleagues to observe you in a meeting or at a networking event.

   • This strategy works well for those seeking promotions or internal positions.

3. Signpost Achievements:

   • Provide regular updates on your progress, also known as the "drip method."

   • You don't have to wait until a project is completed to highlight your work.

4. Weave Achievements into Stories:

   • Frame your achievements within a narrative that highlights your key qualities, such as working well under pressure.

   • Use the XYZ framework: Describe the challenge (X), the solution you proposed (Y), and the result (Z).

5. Make the Preamble the Point:

   • Start with your achievement and follow with the context. For example, "Having closed 12 deals in 6 months, we knew we could achieve Y by Z."

Mistakes to Avoid

May Busch also highlighted common mistakes to avoid when showcasing your achievements:

• Waiting too long: Don’t delay in sharing your successes.

• Focusing on effort rather than impact: Highlight the results, not just the hard work.

• Giving away credit: While it's important to acknowledge teamwork, don’t shy away from taking credit for your contributions.

• Rambling: Keep your stories concise and to the point.

Quantifying Achievements

If you struggle to come up with quantifiable achievements, consider these questions:

• How is your performance measured?

• How does your work contribute to the company’s success?

If disclosing specific numbers is not possible due to confidentiality, use general statistics or frame your achievements in terms of impact rather than exact metrics.

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

Feeling like an imposter is common, and it can hold you back from showcasing your true potential. May Busch offered valuable advice:

• Recognize that feeling like an imposter means you care and are dedicated.

• Understand that everyone experiences self-doubt at times.

• Practice the OLD vs. NEW exercise to shift from a fear-based to a confident identity.

• Adopt a mantra such as, "I can add value to any room I am in."

Conclusion

Incorporating these strategies into your job search can significantly enhance your ability to showcase your achievements effectively. Whether you are seeking a new job or a promotion, these tips will help you present your skills and accomplishments in the best possible light. Remember, sharing your successes is not bragging—it's a way to demonstrate your value and attract new opportunities.

For financial advisors, mastering the art of highlighting your achievements can set you apart in a competitive market. Start today by reframing your beliefs, quantifying your impact, and confidently sharing your story.

Feel free to connect with me if you need further assistance in your job search or career advancement. Let's make your achievements shine!