As per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, an average person spends nearly 8.8 hours per day at work. Simply put, you spend one-third of your life working. Wouldn’t it be better if you could make THIS part of your life enjoyable and happy? You don’t have to wake up every day and sulk about your 9-5 job. Think about it. Happy working life is not a myth; people. It is all about how you boost your career options. Thus, I have shared some effective career advancement tips for everyone out there willing to make a difference in the world out there.
#1. Create Goals
First things first, your motivation towards your goals will give you something to strive for. So take your time to identify your goals based on your passion and skills. Then break down your big goals into smaller and more manageable small-term goals. What are the skills you need to achieve your goals? Will you be able to achieve that at your current company? Ask yourself these questions to reach your goal successfully.
Say you want to be an independent content developer in the future. You can start polishing your content writing, programming and software building skills in that case. Stay updated with the latest content strategy guidelines. Talk to your manager to know if there’s scope for you to achieve that position at your current company. Take the baby steps to make your big dream come true.
#2. Take new responsibilities
It’s okay to step out of your comfort zone and acquire new skills. Do not be scared to take new responsibilities at your workplace that can help you learn your way around a new job. You can use online resources or get help from your colleagues to pursue new knowledge that’s related to your goal. New responsibilities will help you prepare for any sort of challenges that you may face in the journey ahead of you.
Also, you must take the responsibilities that are relevant to the goal you want to achieve. After all, there’s no point taking up the responsibility of designing apparel when your goal is to offer quality assignment help to students online. Focus on obtaining the knowledge that will make you an ideal candidate for your goal.
#3. Be ready for feedback
Feedback will help you measure your progress. It will ensure that you are on the right path towards achieving your goal. Talk to your manager and ask for honest feedbacks related to your work. Note down your strengths and weaknesses. Make it a point to work on your flaws and polish your strengths. Have a word with your peers as well. You must be ready to welcome a different point of view about your skills and performance.
If you are in a management role, ask your employees to provide feedback based on your work. Remember, the feedbacks or reviews are not for you to be carried away with. You must learn from them. Think of how you can use the feedback to get a step closer to your goal. In my opinion, feedback, good or bad, reflects your position among your peers.
#4. Use your network wisely
Irrespective of your goal, you will need help and support from others to advance your career. If you are just pursuing a career, talk to your trusted advisor or mentor to make sure you are on the right path. Have a word with your manager or immediate superior to figure out the possibilities for your career advancement. Find out people who are already in the role you want. Ask them about their journey. See if they could share a tip or two with you.
These pieces of information will help you build a solid action plan. You know what your goal is. You have already started taking new responsibilities and you know what your strengths and weaknesses are. Now it’s time for you to act. Take inspiration from the people you look up to. You can follow their footsteps or build your own career roadmap.
#5. Know your worth
You may absolutely love your company and the job. But, if you have bigger goals in your mind, there’s no point turning a blind eye to better opportunities. You may even end up losing precious footholds of the corporate ladder. Thus, it is very important for you to understand what your worth is. You need to believe that you are not just random undervalued employee. Surf job boards and study industry standards to have a better idea of the opportunities available out there.
A few years ago, I was offered a better opportunity and a higher pay-scale by a competitor of the firm I worked for. I explained the opportunity and offers to my current boss. Guess what? I received an on-the-spot raise along with increased benefits. I know what my worth is. I believed in myself and worked accordingly and so should you.
Wrapping Up
These tips are more than enough to advance your career in the best way possible. Create your career roadmap and do not give up until you reach your goal. Work hard and feel free to embrace new opportunities that promise a better career for you. Also, your goals are not set in stone. You can update them as per your convenience.
