When Job Searching Prove You're an Expert

by Tamara Wilhite
(Fort Worth, TX)

I had worked in process engineering and six sigma in manufacturing for several years. My experience had been that software was often a big hurdle on the shop floor my job was to support. I led several six sigma projects that included software improvements and software documentation and training initiatives to solve that problem. I wrote several professional articles on the subject.

My employer was laying off, so it was time to job hunt. I interviewed for a technology process improvement and documentation job. The hiring manager said my job title was officially manufacturing engineer, their product was software, and how was I qualified.

I asked him to bring up Amazon.com and type my name in. There was a list download-able versions of my articles on the very field this job was in. I clicked on one to show my pictured tied to the article, then to a link to the original article on the Institute of Industrial Engineer's magazine. "The professional society for this field considers my work an expert opinion on this area. That's proof I have recent credentials in the area, regardless of job title."

I was hired shortly after the third interview.

Amazon.com is not the typical first place one thinks of looking for professional credentials. However, professional publications in the job field are valid proof of expertise, and that is why it helped me get the position, despite the "non-matching" job title I held.