Q: I have applied to several roles internally at my company. In 2019, I have applied to more than 10 roles. I joined this company with the hopes of advancing. The first day that I was eligible to job post to another role, I did. I updated my resume and shared it with the internal application. My resume looks great, but I have only been in my current job for nine months. Others are getting job offers and usually they have been with my employer for longer than me. I think HR is getting sick of me since I raise my hand so often. What’s your advice in my situation?
A: My advice is simple. Perform well in your current role. Earn the respect of your peers and your supervisor. Be more selective when you apply for internal roles. You don’t want to be branded as the “perpetual poster.” The “perpetual poster” is a candidate who posts, and posts and posts again. They are less interested in the role but more interested in the next level, moving up the ladder and landing a new role. Nothing is wrong with wanting to advance, but it seems like you are posting for every role, which is probably frustrating to those involved in the process. This is probably aggravating your HR team, since it would be unlikely that you would be qualified for ten roles.
My advice is to take a breather. Enjoy the month of December. Perform well in your current role. Ensure that your peers and your supervisor respect you and your capabilities. If you have spare time, volunteer and support something you are passionate about – children, animals, the environment.
In January, the employment world heats up. Post, but be selective! Are you really qualified for this role? Usually a candidate has to meet 80% or more of the qualifications listed on a job description or job posting. Try to determine if there are candidates who are more qualified, who might be posting too. Find out if this area or department is a desirable one in terms of management, opportunity and culture.
Pattie Hunt Sinacole is a human resources expert and works for First Beacon Group in Hopkinton, an HR consulting firm. She contributes weekly to Boston.com Jobs and the Boston Sunday Globe Money & Careers section.