Organic job advancement can happen, but for most savvy professionals, moving up in the ranks requires strategic planning. If you’re in the same place today as you were a year ago, your progression could be floundering. Avoid becoming stagnant with these six tips for taking control of your career in 2016.
1. Identify your professional goals
With the start of the New Year, set aside time to take stock of your intentions. Does success in 2016 mean getting a new job, learning a new skill, or mastering a new technology? Write down your goals and make specific plans for meeting them.
2. Analyse your current work situation
Reflect on your current work situation. Have you become too comfortable in your organization? Are you learning new skills? Have you taken on new challenges? Are you adding value to the organization, or just coasting? Is there a fear you could become obsolete? According to Business in Vancouver, “If you aren’t learning anything new or taking on any new challenges, your marketability to other potential employers may be at risk.”
3. Advance your skill set
Give your career a boost by learning new essential job skills. Identify skills you need to develop or sharpen this year. Maybe its time to get your MBA, PMP (Project Management Certification), or attend an industry conference. TheLadders advises that you “review your most recent performance review and talk with your manager to find out which skills you should build or improve to advance at your company.”
4. Capitalize on new trends
In the workplace, specialization can lead to growth. However, specializing too narrowly may severely limit your opportunities for moving ahead. It’s important to regularly evaluate the landscape and make adjustments, so your skillset doesn’t become obsolete.
5. Build a Career Roadmap to support your goals
Within the next 30 days, set your career goals for 2016 with your longer term objectives in mind. Forbes recommends you create a career roadmap to support your success: “A smart person will have a long-term career plan, which focuses on where they want to arrive at the pinnacle of their career, as well as the interim steps they’ll need to take in order to get there.”
6. Get expert help
Feeling you’ve hit that ‘glass ceiling’ or are stuck in a career rut? Get outside advice from a career coach. A career expert will have insights on how to navigate uncharted waters, identify options and develop strategies to advance your career.
Will your career take off this year? Your success depends on investing time and energy in tasks like setting goals, analyzing your work situation, capitalizing on new trends, identifying viable markets, learning new skills and getting help when necessary. Then you can take charge of your career and drive your career success.
Author: Joanne Loberg of JL Careers Inc. is a Certified Executive Coach and Internationally Certified Career Management Professional. Copyright JL Careers Inc. All rights reserved.
New Year! New Start! Take Charge of your Career
Is this your year for a career change? Launch on the right foot with the job search tools you need to grab hiring managers’ attention. From Executive and Professional Resumes to Compelling LinkedIn Profiles and Interview Coaching, JL Careers is here to help you land a great new career opportunity.
Connect today for a complimentary 30 minute telephone consultation to position yourself for success!
Wishing you much career success ,
Joanne Loberg
Certified Executive Coach & Internationally Certified Career Management Professional
JL Careers
