Introduction: The Career Question

Let me ask you a simple question: Do you feel like your career isn’t skyrocketing the way it should?

You’re not alone. Many of us find ourselves in situations where opportunities seem scarce, and it’s difficult to showcase our true value in a competitive marketplace. In this article, I’m going to share how you can articulate your professional value and use it to redefine your career trajectory. By the end, you’ll have a clear strategy to help you stand out and secure the opportunities you deserve.

Let’s dive in.

Lessons from Political and Economic Uncertainty

The recent UK election was a game-changer for the job market. It created a period of political uncertainty, with many hiring managers hesitant to make long-term decisions. For contractors and consultants, this translated into fewer opportunities, frozen budgets, and an overall sense of instability.

During this time, I found myself reflecting on what I could do to ensure I was better positioned for future disruptions. It was frustrating, but instead of dwelling on the uncertainty, I chose to focus on what I could control.

This is where the Emotional Agility Model came into play. I broke down my frustration and aligned my next steps with my core values—ambition and security. I asked myself, How can I make sure this never happens again? What do I need to do differently?

That reflection led to the development of the PAR Model, a framework that helped me redefine how I showcased my value to the marketplace.

The PAR Model: Problem, Action, Result

The PAR Model—Problem, Action, Result—is a simple yet powerful framework for articulating your professional value. It allows you to clearly communicate the impact you’ve made by breaking it down into three components:

Problem: Define the strategic problem you solved.
Action: Outline the specific steps you took to address it.
Result: Highlight the tangible outcomes and benefits.

Let me share how I used the PAR Model to revamp my CV and portfolio during a period of uncertainty.

Step 1: Defining the Problem

When I looked back at my experiences, I asked myself: What strategic challenges was I solving in each role?

To answer this, I researched official strategy and policy documents relevant to my work. For example, while working on a project for NHS England, I reviewed their strategies to understand how my contributions aligned with their goals.

Here’s what I did:

Document the problem: I wrote down the strategic challenges the organization faced and linked them to my role.
Clarify alignment: I ensured that each problem I listed was directly tied to a broader organizational objective.

By clearly defining the problem, I positioned myself as someone who understands the bigger picture, not just the tasks at hand.

Step 2: Outlining the Actions

Next, I focused on the specific actions I took to address these challenges. I asked myself:

What methodologies did I use?
How did I ensure my approach was effective?

For example, while managing a digital transformation project, I implemented governance frameworks using PRINCE2 and MSP methodologies. I made sure my CV reflected this by threading these methodologies through my responsibilities.

If you’re crafting your own narrative, think about:

The frameworks and methodologies you used (e.g., Agile, Waterfall, Lean).
How your actions contributed to solving the problem.

This step is about showcasing your ability to take initiative and deliver value through proven approaches.

Step 3: Highlighting Tangible Results

Finally, I focused on the results. This is where I quantified the impact of my work.

For example:

Efficiency gains: Reduced project delays by 30% through improved governance.
Cost savings: Delivered a system that saved the organization £100,000 annually.
Quality improvements: Increased productivity by 50% in a stalled program.

If you’re struggling to identify results, ask yourself:

What measurable change did my work create?
Did I save money, improve efficiency, or enhance quality?

This step ties everything together and demonstrates the tangible value you bring to the table.

Using the PAR Model to Stand Out

Here’s how I applied the PAR Model across different areas of my career:

CV and Portfolio

I rewrote every role on my CV using the PAR framework. For each experience, I outlined the problem, the actions I took, and the results I achieved.

LinkedIn Profile

I integrated PAR into my LinkedIn summaries and posts, making my profile a dynamic showcase of my expertise.

Networking Conversations

I used the framework in strategic networking. For example:

Problem: “I help organizations struggling with inefficient program delivery.”
Action: “I implement governance frameworks and streamline project controls.”
Result: “This has led to savings of over £200,000 for my clients.”

The PAR Model became my secret weapon, helping me articulate my value with clarity and confidence.

Case Study: Helping Others Implement PAR

I’m not just my own case study—I’ve also helped others use the PAR Model to redefine their careers.

One friend was struggling to articulate their achievements during job applications. By walking them through the PAR framework, we uncovered strategic problems they had solved, the actions they had taken, and the measurable results they had achieved. This transformed their CV and interview responses, ultimately helping them secure better and more opportunities.

Sometimes, it just takes someone to help you see your value from a different perspective.

Bonus Tip: Using PAR in Strategic Networking

The PAR Model isn’t just for CVs and portfolios—it’s a powerful tool for networking.

When introducing yourself, frame your narrative around PAR:

Who you are: “I’m a program management consultant specializing in digital transformation.”
What problems you solve: “I help organizations improve project delivery through better governance.”
The results you’ve achieved: “My work has saved clients thousands of pounds while improving efficiency.”

This approach helps you stand out and communicate your value effectively in any professional setting.

Final Thoughts: Redefining Your Trajectory

Redefining your career trajectory starts with understanding and articulating your value. The PAR Model is a simple yet transformative framework that can help you achieve this.

To recap: