Career Management

Keeping a good job is hard work, but finding a good job is even harder.  Any job that increases your income is probably worth considering.  However, if you don't enjoy what you do and the people you work with then compensation is less important.

There are a number of skills and attributes that are highly prized by companies looking for credit professionals including these:

• Problem solving skills;

• Creativity;

• Technical skills in areas such as customer financial statement analysis and interpretation;

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills;

• The ability to manage and motivate subordinates;

• A track record of documented successes and achievements;

• The skills needed to increase the credit department's effectiveness without increasing costs;

• A commitment to continuing professional development;

• The maturity required to recognize that the credit department is a part of not apart from the rest of the company and must be committed to helping the company achieve its sales and profit goals;

• The flexibility necessary to adapt quickly to changing business conditions as well as to changing priorities.

If you feel that you are lacking skills in any of the areas listed above, now is the time to make the necessary adjustments.

© 2011.  Michael C. Dennis.  All Rights Reserved.  Mr. Dennis is the author of "1001 Collection Tools and Tips."