Navigating the Wild West of Job Hunting: Why Industry Experience Isn’t Everything
In the current job market’s Wild West, it’s a common trend for organizations to insist that internal communication (IC) professionals must have worked in the same industry. Job descriptions often throw around phrases like “industry experience required” or “industry experience preferred.” It’s almost as if they think the only way to be a top-notch IC pro is to have lived and breathed a specific sector.
Big mistake. Huge!
But don’t worry, there are companies out there that get it—ones that understand the true value of transferable skills. If a company is stuck on industry-specific experience, it’s probably not the kind of place you’d enjoy working at anyway.
The right organization—the one that’s worth your time and skills—appreciates what you bring to the table, no matter the industry. Here are some of those transferable skills:
Strategic Mindset—As an IC professional, you’ve got a strategic mindset that lines up with the organization’s objectives. You know how your work fits into the bigger picture, and you make sure to show your value consistently.
Deep Understanding of Your Audience—People are people, no matter the industry. You know how to connect with your audience by understanding their priorities, routines, and behaviors. This skill lets you create impactful communication that resonates with different groups.
Prioritization of Measurement and Metrics—You go beyond the basics of sending emails and publishing articles. Success means measuring reach and understanding to ensure alignment with organizational objectives. You’re not just communicating. You’re making sure it drives action.
Cross-functional Collaboration—You’re great at building relationships with subject matter experts and key stakeholders across different departments. You approach things with respect and active listening, letting you leverage collective expertise to advance the organization’s vision and values.
Content Creation and Curation—Your storytelling skills aren’t limited by industry boundaries. You’re a master at telling the stories within and around an organization to inspire, engage, and inform internal stakeholders. Your focus is on creating a connection to something bigger than individual roles.
So, if you find yourself on a call with a recruiter or hiring manager who’s hesitant because of a lack of “industry experience,” don’t let it get you down. Shine a light on these transferable skills that showcase your practical experience and educational background. And if they still don’t see your value, they probably weren’t the right fit anyway. Their loss! You’re destined for bigger and better things.
