In the competitive job market of 2024, candidates often lean on the years they've spent in a role as a badge of expertise. But are years on the job alone meaningful if they aren’t filled with diverse, progressive experience? Employers are looking for growth and adaptability, not repetition.
Consider this example:
Candidate A has 20 years of experience in fundraising, consistently meeting goals. However, they’ve raised funds within the same range, focused on similar projects, and have no experience managing a team. This candidate brings value through steady performance, but lacks the varied experience needed for higher-level roles.
Candidate B, with fewer than ten years in the field, has an impressive record of increasing responsibilities and successfully managing larger, more complex projects. She advanced quickly from an individual contributor to managing fundraisers, and her gift sizes have grown from five-figure to seven-figure amounts.
Who would you choose to lead a development team?
As a recruiter, I’m not swayed by years alone. Instead, I look for candidates who show progressive growth and a track record of success. And as a career advisor, I encourage those starting in their careers to seek out frontline experience, build their achievements, and actively pursue progressive development opportunities. While years of experience and education matter, your record of accomplishments and growth is what will set you apart.
So how can you build a progressive résumé without job-hopping? Here are some ways to gain diverse experience and advance faster in your current organization:
1. Set Clear Goals
To achieve progressive experience, start with a clear vision of your career path. Maybe your goal is to lead a fundraising team, but your current role is focused on prospect research or supporting the major gifts team. Use this position as a stepping stone by gaining relevant skills that align with your long-term goals. Don’t invest in skills that won’t benefit your desired path.
2. Ask for New Responsibilities
Seek out opportunities for growth within your organization by asking for projects or roles that add new layers to your experience. Approach your supervisor and request to work on special projects, collaborate with other departments, or cover interim positions. Here are some ways to branch out:
Special Projects: Many organizations have one-off projects or strategic initiatives where you could volunteer to support. For example, if your expertise is in events but you’re interested in donor stewardship, offer to assist with stewardship events or communications.
Cross-Department Collaboration: Collaborating with different units can expose you to skills and areas of responsibility that you haven’t explored before. This could include working with marketing on donor communications or finance on budget planning.
3. Take Advantage of Interim Positions and Secondments
In larger organizations, secondments (temporary assignments to a different role or department) can offer hands-on experience in a new area without leaving the security of your current position. Interim roles, like covering a maternity or paternity leave, provide a unique chance to build expertise and take on leadership roles.
If your supervisor is temporarily unavailable, offer to step into an acting role. This will give you a chance to experience leadership firsthand and test if it aligns with your aspirations. Acting roles provide a low-risk opportunity to learn more about the demands of higher-level positions and can open doors to new permanent responsibilities.
4. Look for Mentorship and Networking Opportunities
Progressive experience isn’t just about tasks; it’s also about learning from others. Seek mentors within your organization who can offer guidance and open doors. Don’t wait for formal mentorship programs; take the initiative to ask for mentorship or informational meetings. Mentors can provide insights, connect you with valuable networks, and help you hone specific skills.
5. Find Training Programs and Workshops
Conferences, workshops, and online courses are excellent ways to develop your skills without changing jobs. Many organizations encourage employees to expand their skill sets, so talk to your supervisor about potential training programs. Whether it’s advancing your proficiency in data analytics, learning a new CRM software, or honing communication skills, these skills add value and keep your profile dynamic.
6. Show Consistency with a Drive to Progress
In fields like fundraising, where relationship-building is key, staying with one organization for a significant time while consistently advancing is ideal. Find ways to learn new skills and demonstrate an ongoing commitment to growth while meeting your current responsibilities. This balance shows you are dependable, driven, and continually seeking improvement.
Remember: Employers want more than someone who “does their job”—they want someone who is excited to grow, eager to take on challenges, and committed to advancing their career. By actively seeking opportunities, you’ll not only build a strong résumé but also develop the skills and experience that make you a standout candidate for future roles.