Jack of All Trades and a Master of Some

Career Advice

by Jeff Lipschultz on Jan 13th, 2010

job search When I ask job seekers what roles they are ideal candidates for, I often hear "I am good at so many different things, I can do almost any job." Although this may sometimes be close to true, most of my clients are looking for specialists. Sure they appreciate the candidates who bring a lot to the table. However, that is a bonus on top of first being really strong in one particular area. When talking with recruiters and hiring managers about what you can offer, you must be careful not to appear to be a Jack of All Trades and a Master of None.

Before starting a job search, it is essential that you take inventory of your skills. Not only what you are good at, but what you enjoy doing the most. Funny how sometimes, these aren't the same thing. Then you need to evaluate which of those skills are in highest demand and/or most unique. Sometimes the combination of two skills makes for a very sought after candidate. This exercise of evaluating skills gives focus to the job search and steers you away from applying to jobs that require some of your weaker skill sets.

This exercise also helps you write your own ideal job description. This is the job that you are meant to do next. With this clear vision, you can easily communicate to recruiters the specific job you're a great candidate for. Hiring managers love hearing that you are extremely motivated about applying your core competencies to their projects and want to expand those abilities.

Yes, I know you don't want to be pigeon-holed or stuck in the same type of job your entire career. But when starting with a new company (or trying to get their attention in the first place), you must provide essential skill sets their team is needing today. For now, you have to show you can meet that need better than anyone else. They expect you to want to grow and expand your responsibilities in the future.

The fact that you can do a million other things adequately pales in comparison to doing a few as an expert. You need to be a Jack of All Trades, but more importantly, a Master of Some.

Jeff Lipschultz is a founding partner of A-List Solutions, a premier recruiting firm in Dallas-Fort Worth. Jeff shares his views on employment trends and quirky observations of society at http://jefflipschultz.wordpress.com

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