If you see these clues, you're absolutely ready.
Whether you just want to make a career switch or are considering the plunge into starting your own venture, there's probably one question sitting in the pit of your stomach.
Am I perfectly qualified for this?
Being
"perfectly" qualified, to clarify, is a bit of a misnomer. It doesn't
mean you're not going to screw up. It means you're in that sweet spot
where you don't feel like an imposter yet still have some room for
growth. These are clear signs you're there.
1. People recommend you or seek out your advice.
When
someone recommends you, they're taking a risk--fail to live up to their
praises and their own neck and reputation are on the line. So if
someone throws your name into the ring, it's a demonstration of full
trust in your ability to handle whatever responsibilities might be
involved. By the same token, if people come to you for advice, they're
trusting that you can be a reliable source and have the level of
expertise they need to move forward.
2. You participate easily in conversations.
Even the sagest leaders recognize the importance of being lifelong
learners. But newbies or less qualified individuals typically don't as
much experience and subject matter knowledge, which makes it more likely
that they will hang back and listen more in conversations.
If
you're jumping right into talks, are contributing a reasonable level
value to them without feeling at all anxious, and are still coming away
having learned something, then you likely are on pace with the
intelligence and skills of the others in the group.
3. Job postings describe you (almost) to a T.
Most
companies put out ideal "wish list" postings and understand that
finding the perfect candidate is the exception rather than the rule. So
if you are looking at positions or types of work and find that you're
short by just one or two points, consider yourself in great shape,
especially if you've got other points not on the list that would be
beneficial. You likely still can get started and acquire what you lack
as you go.
4. You make up for gaps with hobbies and side gigs.
It's
incredibly common for people to be working in one area but doing fun
projects on the side. Those projects might not have earned you cash, but
they still can involve transferable skills that are relevant to the
position or industry you're interested in. So when you're trying to
determine fit, make sure you're looking at your entire day, not just
office hours.
5. You're oozing soft skills.
Soft skills
include not only the ability to empathize and communicate well with
others, but also points like dependability and time management. These
are the skills you learn through interaction and life, not through
books, classes or training.
A Harris poll
of more than 2,000 adults showed that 75 percent of Americans would
hire candidates who have soft skills but not the right experience. So
if, for example, you don't know technical skill x or y but are a
creative team player with an outstanding work ethic, just as with side
gigs and hobbies, you're balancing yourself out to stay in the running.
6. People respond well to your plans.
Often,
if you are overqualified for something, people will try to dissuade you
with encouragement, recommending options that might seem scary to you.
If you're underqualified, by contrast, they might respond with awkward
looks and silences before trying to maintain a semblance of politeness
by wishing you a generic "Good luck!". If you're in the perfectly
qualified sweet spot, though, they'll reinforce your decision with
enthusiasm. They'll ask unprompted questions to learn more, provide
support and request that you keep them updated.
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