The Secret to Having a (Truly) Successful Career

Chris Dardis

September 19, 2013

Every day at Versique, I have conversations with people who are looking for help to make meaningful career changes. The specific situations vary, as some candidates are confidentially looking to make a move, others may be unemployed, yet others may simply be looking for advice about interviewing, networking, or resume writing. One of my favorite questions to ask someone during a conversation like this is, “What are your career keys?”

More often than not, I’ve found that people have not given enough thought to this important question. Think about your “career keys” as non-negotiable elements that need to be a part of your work life. What are the most important aspects that you’re looking for within the “whole package” when considering your next career move, regardless of industry?

If you can’t name your top three keys immediately, I encourage you to take some time and truly think about them. This should be a much easier question than the dreaded, “What do I want to be when I grow up?” Most of us can’t even answer that question today, or the answer to that question has changed from year to year. Your career keys should remain more consistent. I’ll give you an example. In my career, I’ve been a computer programmer, an agency recruiter, a director of talent acquisition, and now a leader within a boutique search and consulting agency. When considering each of these roles, my 3 keys have remained the same.

My Career Keys

I want to work for inspiring leadership
I want to work in a relationship management driven role
I want to work for a company that can positively affect people’s lives

None of my career keys call out specific tasks or duties like sales, customer service, or human resources. They speak to the culture and overall environment of the companies I’d like to be a part of, regardless of the role I’m in.

I’ve heard candidates reference other career keys such as continued education, career growth, fun team environment, compensation, commute, feeling respected, and flexibility. These factors are what will truly determine how engaged you are in your role. Once you figure out your career keys, you’ll find it much easier to determine which opportunities are the best fit for you.

What are your career keys?

Chris Dardis / About Author

Chris Dardis is Chief Experience Officer after 10 years of experience as President of Versique’s Interim Consulting division and more than 20 years of industry experience. Having both corporate leadership and agency recruiting experience, Chris has the unique ability to understand his client’s human capital needs and offer strategic consultative solutions.

Chris has more than 20 years of combined experience within corporate HR leadership positions and the executive search and consulting industry. This experience provides Chris with the unique ability to truly understand his clients’ human capital needs and offer strategic customized solutions. Chris’s HR network in the Twin Cities is second to none and provide value to his candidates and clients.

To find out how Chris can help your business’ Human Resources or Finance & Accounting department achieve greater success, you can contact him by phone or email at the bottom of the page.

Chris’s Approach
Chris’s approach to his customers and business is characterized by a low-pressure, empathetic, and patient demeanor. He takes the time to understand his customers’ needs and concerns, ensuring they feel heard and valued throughout the process. By prioritizing a supportive and understanding environment, Chris builds strong, trust-based relationships that foster long-term loyalty and satisfaction. Whether your organization is looking for additional insight, an outside eye, or someone to enhance processes and boost productivity, Chris has a deep understanding of the role HR and F&A plays in an organization and what it takes for departments to be successful both today and tomorrow.