What to Consider Before Taking That Stretch Job

Here is another valuable Management Tip of the Day from Harvard Business Review. To sign up for a free subscription to any/all HBR newsletters, please click here.

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A stretch job is a great opportunity to grow and learn. But how can you be sure if you’re taking the right role and not just setting yourself up for failure?

o First, recognize that any new challenge comes with a bit of anxiety. If you feel a slight twinge of fear, but mostly excitement, it’s a positive sign that this could be a good opportunity.

o You might also check with current or former colleagues, managers, mentors, or friends. If they believe that you can do the job and encourage you to apply, it’s probably worth getting over your self-doubt. Even if you lack experience with certain aspects of the job, you can leverage your network for support.

o Remind yourself of challenges you’ve taken on in the past — you likely already have a track record of success. Most importantly, make sure this opportunity fits into a logical career trajectory.

Be sure you can craft a clear, coherent story about where you’ve been, where you are now, and where you plan to go next — with the targeted stretch job fitting nicely into the arc of your story.

This tip is adapted from Is That Stretch Job Right for You?,” by Rebecca Zucker

Here’s a direct link to dozens of other Management Tips.

 

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