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Supervisor Development Series Part 2: Preparing Staff for Career Advancement

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Recruitment is not just about filling positions; it's a strategic opportunity to empower your team and advance their careers. As a manager, your role is crucial in preparing your employees to navigate the recruitment process effectively within the organization. By equipping your team with the necessary skills and knowledge, you can significantly impact their professional growth and the organization's success. This proactive approach can also establish your organization as an employer of choice among peers. This outline provides key strategies and resources to help you prepare your staff for future opportunities, ensuring they are ready to contribute meaningfully to both their career advancement and the organization's goals.

  • Writing CVs and Resumes: Provide guidance on creating relevant resumes regarding specific roles, achievements, transferable skills, and leadership experience.
  • Completing Applications: Keep in mind that the application is a confidential document. If your team member asks you to assist, you may offer guidance on the accuracy and completeness of their application, as well as practical examples to help them present themselves in a professional manner.
  • Elevator Pitch: Help your team members craft and practice their “elevator pitch” to effectively describe their current role, focusing on clear, concise, and confident delivery.
  • References: If your team member requests assistance, you may advise on selecting and requesting professional references.
  • Letters of Recommendation: Provide personalized letters of recommendation. Encourage your team member to gather effective recommendation letters that highlight their strengths and achievements.
  • Job Search: Assist team members in utilizing networking, job boards, and social media to find suitable job opportunities within the organization.
  • Researching Positions: Encourage team members to research available opportunities and role requirements to make informed career decisions. Introduce them to organizational resources that can provide guidance on career pathways.
  • Interview Question Preparation: Conduct mock interviews and provide feedback; help your team members prepare for common and role-specific interview questions.
  • Interviewing: There are different components to the interview process and how managers can support team members.
    • What to Wear/Grooming: Advise on appropriate attire and grooming standards for interviews.
    • Punctuality: Emphasize the importance of arriving on time for interviews.
    • Answering Interview Questions and How to Answer When You Don’t Know the Answer: Coach team members on how to approach common questions asked during interviews. Encourage them to be honest in responding to all interview questions, including when they are unsure.
    • Asking Your Own Questions: Encourage team members to prepare thoughtful questions for the interviewer.
    • Follow-up: Guide team members on sending a thank-you email after the interview. 

Empowering your employees and fostering their professional growth to align with their interests will prepare them for their next career move. As a manager, your proactive involvement in equipping your staff with the necessary skills and knowledge can transform the recruitment process into a strategic advantage. By following the strategies outlined in this Monthly Management Tips article, you can ensure that your team is ready to contribute meaningfully to both their own career advancement and the organization's goals. A well-prepared team member reflects favorably on the manager and is the basis of a thriving organization.

All UCLA employees currently have access to LinkedIn Learning for free. If you are unfamiliar with LinkedIn Learning, there are over 16,000+ pre-recorded professional development courses on topics such as public speaking, supervisory skills, project management, and hundreds more. You can even earn certificates in specific topics and share those accomplishments on your resume and LinkedIn profile.

To access LinkedIn Learning, UCLA employees may visit the CHR LinkedIn Learning page opens a new window, then scroll down to “How to Register” for instructions on how to create your free account. 

Recommended LinkedIn Learning classes:

Campus Human Resources, Learning & Organizational Development shared these resources found in Box: 


Leadership 2029

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