Are you starting to get a little bit bored in your current job? Do you dream of kicking your career up a couple of notches and climbing that ladder a little bit higher?
You’re not alone. Career advancement is something that most of us think about on a weekly basis. However, given the current state of the economy, it’s also something that’s hard to achieve. Employers just aren’t dishing out promotions in the same way that they used to.
The good news is that if you’re determined, you can succeed. It might take you a little bit longer and it might require even more hard work but you can get to where you want to be in your job.
If you want to impress the powers-that-be and get yourself noticed, here are the main career tips that you need to know.
With some hard work you can advance quickly in your chosen career
Play Up To Your Strengths: Despite what you may think about yourself, you have a set of talents and skills that are unique to you. Use these skills to make yourself stand out. For example, if you’re great at social media, volunteer to look after your company’s Facebook page. If you’re fantastic at organising events, ask if you can plan the next work night out. Put yourself out there and show your superiors what you can do.
Make one of your skills your secret weapon: Once you’ve distinguished your unique skills, pick one and turn it into your speciality. By geting yourself clued up on social media, for example, you distinguish yourself as ‘an expert’ in that field and you make yourself a go-to person for any issues in that area.
Find a mentor: It sounds silly, but finding someone who can act as a role model could help you, majorly. Research someone who has achieved the things that you want for yourself in your chosen profession. If possible, see if you can actually connect with that person. Learn from them.
Never be afraid to send a follow-up email telling someone how great it was to meet them
Network, network, network! Go to as many industry events as you can. When you’re there don’t be afraid to network with other people. Always make sure you hand out a business card if you strike up a conversation with someone. Make sure you tell them who you are and what it is that you ultimately want to do (but be tactful!). Follow up the next day with an email or a phonecall telling them how great it was to meet them.
Challenge yourself: If you’re getting positive feedback from your superiors and are doing well in your current job, then this is a solid sign that you’re ready to step up and progress your career. Ask if you can have that big project. You may not get a yes straight off the bat, but keep asking and eventually your time will come.
Don’t let ‘no’ stop you: We all get told ‘no’ at some point in our lives however it’s how we deal with that ‘no’ that matters. Don’t be afraid of hearing it. Always ask for what you want, whether it’s a raise, a promotion or a meeting with your boss. Ask. You never know – their answer could be yes. Maybe they’re just waiting for you to ask the question in the first place!
