Knowing Your Industry

It may sound obvious to say, but you should have a strong knowledge of the field you want to work in, still this tends to be the area that is most frequently overlooked. A common excuse to skip over this research is that being currently employed in the industry implies that you are up-to-date with everything going on in the industry. This tunnel vision can cause you to miss important facts and trends that are occurring.

Keeping current with an industry can ensure that you have the proper accreditation and training for any new technologies or methodologies that are becoming or that have already become relevant. Having the knowledge of current and upcoming changes ensures that you are a valuable asset to your current or future organization, through forward thinking. This also allows the opportunity to begin mastering these new features for practical uses in the business.

These emerging technologies may also lead to new roles and responsibilities being created. This can lead to new opportunities in areas that you may find a better fit. Staying informed will give you a chance to focus on the role that suits you best.

Understanding the different functions of roles in your industry not only allows you to focus on a career that suits you but it also allows you to become more familiar with the positions. It is best to ensure that your awareness of the responsibilities and benefits for the position are accurate. Knowing the base requirements for a position will ensure that you are actually qualified for the position before you start taking the time to apply.

Having a more complete understanding of the position will also allow you to have a better understanding of the compensation and benefits associated with the role. Knowing what a competitive employment package looks like will allow you to be better armed when negotiating your employment details.

Remember there is no way to know what you don’t know so take the time to stay informed. Being informed will give you an edge in a pool of competitors and help you stay at the top of your game.