My indecisiveness and lack of direction clearly challenged me, but other factors also contributed to that scare.
One key factor was not knowing the technical words and terminologies associated with the skills I had and the roles I had worked in. The job descriptions I encountered didn’t match how I described my previous roles. I had to translate my experiences into the technical language used in the job market.
When you don’t know the professional terminology, you might undervalue your true potential. Do the extra work to learn how various skills you have are classified or described in different contexts. Find out what the job requirements are for the title or position you occupy, and you’ll likely discover you have more exposure and experience than you thought.
Another crucial aspect was owning my story and crafting narratives that showcased my skills and knowledge. Customer service, whether it’s directing people to different offices or answering phone calls, is a valuable skill. You have to find a way to speak to that in the context of the role or position you’re applying for.
Transferable skills are also key. Crafting narratives that show how you’ve applied skills in previous roles and how they’ll be useful in another role is a plus. That’s how you own your story and leverage your experiences to your advantage.
I also realized I had digital skills I wasn’t giving myself credit for. Proficiency in Google Suite (Docs, Sheets, Slides) and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) are valuable skills in many industries. If you’ve used these tools for school projects, work, or even personal tasks, highlight them.
Lastly, we often overlook skills we learned in the classroom or through everyday interactions. These skills are valuable everywhere, irrespective of where we find ourselves. Recognizing and articulating them can make a big difference.
And because I was unsure if I really had the skills I claimed, I enrolled in the ALX Virtual Assistant program to gain new skills or advance and develop the ones I already had. It was one of my best experiences, and it significantly boosted my confidence.
So, whenever you’re in doubt, search for a related online resource or course and check yourself in. You’ll thank me later.
During that scare, I paused on some days to ask myself, ‘Could it also be imposter syndrome? I wasn’t sure, but I believe starting afresh in a new country can be daunting. Learning new systems and technologies, building new rapport and support systems, and having to prove yourself all over again… that can be scary and stressful!
Other subtle factors could have contributed to the scare, like limited job opportunities as an international student on OPT (one-year work permit) and the restrictions that came with it.
Companies often ask if you’d need work visa sponsorship in the future, which narrows down your options. Because few prospects exist, you might feel like you don’t have a chance.
While I’ve shared my scare, I hope you’ve learnt a thing or two.
And what would turn out to be my first interview, I got the role as an administrative assistant at the Department of Social Services, Children’s Division, Missouri.
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