The workplace looks different than ever before, and so ways in which you can advance your career have drastically changed over the past year. What worked well in the past, may not work so well today. All those who embrace this disruption and use it to their advantage, will in no doubt get ahead in today’s market.
Whether you are looking for a new job or looking to advance at your current company, what steps can you take to ensure you are making progress? We have put together some best practices for you to incorporate into your corporate life that will benefit you in the long run.
Network
Networking will always prove to have many advantages, even if you want to stay at your current company. Build your network through LinkedIn, get to know your current colleagues, and attend industry events. Relationship building is key to advancing in your career. Networking can grant you access to opportunities that you couldn’t have found otherwise. It can also provide you with insights as to who is hiring or provide you with advice from individuals in positions you want to be in one day. Remember, there is no such thing as too much networking!
Persistence is Key
Be persistent. At some point in everyone’s career, interviews and promotions don’t go as planned. Don’t give up when you get discouraged. If you don’t get the new job, ask the interviewer why. If you don’t get that promotion, find out how you can get there. That will provide you with constructive advice that you can apply to the rest of your career. It also shows how determined are to advance your career.
Display Growth
What have you done to grow over the past year? Did you take up a new skill? Did you join an association? Share what you have learned from your experiences over the past year and how you have developed and upskilled yourself. Make sure to spend time with the hiring manager or your current manager to explain how you have grown.
Market Yourself
If you are interviewing for a new position or want to get that promotion, you need to learn how to market yourself. Selling yourself can feel unnatural to many of us, but it is what makes you stand out from the rest. Share concrete evidence from all your achievements. This skill may take others longer to hone in but practice makes perfect. It never hurts to practice marketing yourself to friends, family or your network.
Take the time necessary to incorporate these best practices into your work life. Take it one day at a time and your hard work will pay off.
If you make the decision to start advancing your career today, we are here to help. Our seasoned consultants are ready to assist you. Contact us today to take that next step in your career.