Avoiding Career Mistakes

by Johannes Larcher & Nicole Hooper

In a previous article, we provided the insights of Mr. Richard Ferry, Co-founder and Chairman of Korn/Ferry International, on the profiles of successful candidates. In this week's publication we will discuss some tips from Mr. Ferry to help you avoid career transition mistakes.

Get Out on Your Own Timeframe

The decision to actively seek a change is difficult. Once made, many people are anxious to move from the old to the new as quickly as possible. However, Mr. Ferry warns, "Some people are so unhappy with their current position, they will do anything to switch jobs quickly. Because they don't care about anything other than leaving, they end up making a mistake. They leap from one bad situation to the next bad situation." Similarly, others may choose to leave without having a new position waiting, which can put them at risk financially, and force them to do some serious explaining when they start interviewing.

While Mr. Ferry understands that sometimes you have to make less than optimal choices when seeking a new position, he insists that "getting out on your own timeframe" is key for any serious executive. This involves:

• Harnessing your desire to change;
• Anticipating institutional changes that may force you to change; and
• Evaluating your options realistically (to prevent the "Grass is Greener" syndrome).

Finally, by being aware of actions that could push you toward a bad career decision, you will be better prepared to take full control of your career.

Be Patient with New Situations

Mr. Ferry notes that he has frequently seen managers abandon newly found positions in a matter of weeks or months. "In my eyes, you need more than a few months to determine whether a new role is right for you. You need to give it time to grow on you. If it doesn't, make a plan to get out on your own timeframe, not theirs." Also, it is important to be honest about a career mistake. "You don't need to call a bad choice a mistake on your resume. But in any serious interview, you shouldn't hesitate to admit to having made a mistake, instead of wasting energy on defending it, or covering it up."

Demonstrate Your Ethics

"Never lie on a resume," advises Mr. Ferry, "and never lead people to believe that you are employed if you are not." Misrepresenting one's accomplishments is a serious issue, and prospective employers will be quick to turn against you if you do so. Similarly, criticizing a former employer, even in a one-on-one interview, can be damaging. "The prospective employer will be afraid that you will do the same to them once you leave, and I can't blame them for that," Mr. Ferry says.

Career transitions can be challenging. You are taking some risk, but if you are careful to avoid the issues discussed here, your search will be easier and more successful.