I know, it’s a tricky question, but it is one of the most important ones you can ask yourself: would you hire you? If you can’t honestly say yes, then it’s time to take a hard look at what’s holding you back. I’ve been placing executives for over thirty years, and here’s what I’ve learned: people who get hired and those who get passed over almost always come down to mindset.
The Harsh Truth About The Workforce: The World Moved On
You’ve worked hard. You’ve shown up. You’ve done the work, checked the boxes, and hit the goals, but something’s off. Maybe you’ve been passed over for a promotion, again. Maybe your job applications are going nowhere. It is easy to start thinking, “What is wrong with everyone else?”
Here’s the reality: while you were standing still, the world moved on.
The workplace has evolved fast. Five generations now work side by side. AI is reshaping industries. The old rules no longer apply. Yet, most professionals are still operating as if it were 2005, expecting the same playbook that got them here to take them where they want to go. It doesn’t work that way anymore.
When Job Searching, The Real Problem Isn’t Age or Experience
A lot of people blame age discrimination. They tell me, “Companies just don’t value experience anymore.” The difference? Coachability. Adaptability. Curiosity.
The ones who get hired don’t walk into my office defending how they’ve always done things. They walk in asking what they can do differently. The ones who get stuck? They’re too busy protecting their past to build their future.
How to Get Honest About Where You Stand in Your Career
If you want to stay relevant, you have to take an honest look at where you are right now, not where you were five years ago, and not where you think you should be.
I call it aligning your mindset, skillset, and mirrorset
- Mindset: how you think and approach change
- Skillset: the capabilities you bring to the table
- Mirrorset: How others actually perceive your value
All three have to work together if you want to move forward. So, ask yourself this: if you were hiring right for your own position today, would you hire you? Not the you ten years ago/ The real you, right now. What would make you say yes, and what might make you hesitate?
Your 5-minute Career Audit
Here’s your action plan:
- Audit your LinkedIn Profile: Look at it through a recruiter’s eyes. Does it tell the story of who you are now?
- Get Feedback: Ask three people you trust to describe how they perceive your professional brand. Listen carefully.
- Check the Market: Research what skills are most in demand in your field today.
- Be Willing to Change: Growth starts with admitting what needs to evolve.
The Payoff: Confidence Through Relevance
When you can confidently say, “Yes, I’d hire me,” everything changes. You walk into interviews with clarity. You contribute differently in meetings. You start taking challenges instead of avoiding them. You become the person others want to work with and work for. That is what true relevance looks like.
If you are ready to stop wondering why things aren’t working and start making work, I want to help. We’ve developed a 12-week system that has helped thousands of professionals age-proof their careers. It is not easy work, but it’s transformational.
Remember: you already have what it takes to be relevant. You need to be willing to put in the work. The question isn’t whether you can change, it’s whether you will.
About Chris Flakus
Chris Flakus is the CEO of CSI Companies and the author of “Stay Relevant.” With more than 30 years of experience in executive leadership and talent strategy, Chris has helped thousands of professionals navigate workplace change, build meaningful careers, and stay competitive in a rapidly evolving world. His work focuses on mindset, adaptability, and the practical skills needed to grow through every stage of a career.
