Positioning yourself for the next role

Many people are fully qualified for the role they want and still do not get it. The gap is rarely experience. It is how that experience is presented.

Tell the story, not the task list

A resume that lists duties describes what the job was. A strong one shows what changed because you were there. For each role, pick two or three outcomes you can describe in a sentence: what the problem was, what you did, and what improved.

Match the level you want, not the level you hold

If you want a senior role, show evidence of senior work: decisions you owned, people you influenced, and results that went beyond your own tasks. Use the language of the role you are aiming for, in your resume, your profile and your interviews.

Prepare your answers out loud

Interviews are conversations, and conversations are won by people who have practised speaking. Prepare stories you can tell in about two minutes, then say them aloud until they sound natural rather than recited.

Know what you are asking for

Whether it is a new job or a promotion, decide in advance what you want and what you would accept. People who negotiate from a clear position are taken more seriously, and they get better outcomes.

Positioning is not about exaggerating. It is about making sure the people deciding can clearly see the value you already offer.