Preparing a Career Development Plan (Case Study)

Managing Human Resources 16e (Snell, Bohlander)

Chapter 5: Expanding the Talent Pool: Recruitment and Careers

Sue Ann Scott was a receptionist at the headquarters of a large corporation. A high school graduate, she had no particular skills other than an ability to organize her job duties and a pleasant personality. Unfortunately, she did not have any particular plan for career development; nevertheless, she wanted very much to improve her economic position. Recognizing her educational limitations, she began taking accounting courses on a random basis in an evening adult education program. Scott also took advantage of the corporations job bidding system by applying for openings that were posted, even though in many instances she did not meet the specifications listed for them. After being rejected several times, she became discouraged. Her depressed spirits were observed by Elizabeth Burroughs, one of the department managers in the corporation. Burroughs invited Scott to come to her office for a talk about the problems she was having. Scott took full advantage of this opportunity to express both to her and to Burroughs that during interviews she repeatedly apologized for having only a high school education, an attitude that had probably made it difficult for the interviewers to select her over other candidates who were more positive about their backgrounds and skills. Burroughs suggested that Scott might try taking a more positive approach during her interviews. For example, she could stress her self-improvement efforts at night school and the fact that she was a dependable and cooperative person who was willing to work hard to succeed in the job for which she was applying. Following Burroughss advice, Scott applied for a position as invoice clerk, a job for which she felt she was qualified. She made a very forceful and positive presentation during her interview, stressing the favorable qualities she possessed. As a result of this approach, she got the job. While the pay for an invoice clerk was not much more than that for a receptionist, the position did offer an avenue for possible advancement into the accounting field, in which the accounting courses she was taking would be of value.

PLEASE EXPLAIN THE QUESTIONS FROM YOUR BEST OPINION AND NOT SHORTCUT FROM OTHER ANSWERS ALREADY POSTED.

1. What are some of the possible reasons Scott did not seek or receive advice from her immediate supervisor? 2. After reviewing the chapter, suggest all possible ways that Scott can prepare herself for career advancement.