How Unique Ideas Drive Career Advancement

My top career advice for people looking to grow quickly inside of competitive environments… Stop reading the same books as everyone in your role, stop going to the same conferences, stop following the same people. Really great leaders don’t look for people who just fit the mold, they want to find the person who not only have the core skills but spikes in an area that is unique to the field of talent. Your ability to add unique value to a function is determined by the set of experiences you can bring to the table, often in ways that are unconventional to the typical person with your title. So the question becomes, in what ways are you exposing yourself to experiences that the typical person in your role isn’t?

I've hired hundreds of people. Most career advice is basic. Here's what they DON'T tell you: 1. Don't be a 'culture fit': Be a culture ADD. Bring something DIFFERENT to the table. The best companies need disruptors, not clones. 2. Forget the 'perfect resume': It's about the STORY it tells. Did you start a lemonade stand at age 8? Tell me about it. I want to see HUSTLE. 3. Ditch the STAR method: Stories are good, but I want to see how you THINK. Ask ME a question that shows you've done your homework. 4. Skip the compliments: We know our office is nice. Tell me what you'd CHANGE. I want someone who challenges the status quo. 5. Negativity can be GOOD: Don't bash past employers, but show me you're not afraid to call out BS. I want someone who stands up for what's right. 6. Your potential is OVERRATED: I care about what you've DONE, not what you MIGHT do. Show me results, not just potential. 7. Outside the box is OK: I want to see your PASSION. If you go off on a tangent about your side hustle, I'm listening. Remember: The goal isn't to just get 'hired', it's to find the RIGHT fit. And sometimes, the right fit is a little bit... unconventional. What's YOUR most contrarian career advice? Let me know in the comments. ♻️ Share this if you're tired of the same old career tips. 📌 Follow me for more unconventional leadership advice & subscribe to my free newsletter. https://lnkd.in/dpDtFdfK #careeradvice #gethired #jobsearch #unconventional

How I keep fresh ideas flowing (& why you should too): Is your professional ecosystem Dynamic or Stagnant? Think of rivers and swamps... Rivers: -Fresh & Flowing -New Water Comes In -Contributing to Community Swamp: -Stagnant -No New Water -Full of Alligators 🐊 Your career habits can put you on a trajectory towards 'River Mentality' or 'Swamp Mentality'. River Mentality (Growth): -Challenges the Status Quo -Stays curious, keeps learning -Adapts & grows with the times -Embraces changes & innovates -Seeks new perspectives & ideas Swamp Mentality (Fixed): -No need to re-invent the wheel -I don't trust all this new technology -Well this is how we've always done it -Back in my day, we did it differently -On and on.... Career Application: -Embrace innovation or get left behind -It's ok to rock the boat and make some waves -Stay curious about your craft or get stuck in the mud -Keep an open mind, the world ain't slowing down -Make LinkedIn your own personal think tank -Cultivate relationships with change agents -Network with people outside your bubble ⏲ Time stops for no one. Adapt or die. 💀 Like this? I'm Seth Killian and I write about career architecture, proactivity, adaptability, and advancement. Follow me & connect for more content like this. PS - Would love to learn about your RIVER tactics. Share your wisdom in the comments. 🦉