Have you ever felt like your career is stuck in neutral?
You’re not alone. In a recent survey by Pew Research Center, 63% of workers who quit a job said they left because they had no advancement opportunities.
If you’re looking for ways to move up the ladder, it’s important to take stock of your own skills and work toward making yourself promotable.
Many of today’s jobs are at risk for being automated, and employers often want an immediate return on their investment on new hires.
Whatever stage you’re at in your career, there are ways to progress faster. Try these tips for changing your approach:
Be Proactive:
In today’s business world, it’s more important than ever to be proactive. That means taking the initiative to create opportunities for yourself, rather than waiting for them to come to you.
If you’re interested in working on a particular project or contributing to your company in a new way, don’t wait for your boss to give you the green light – go ahead and talk to them about it.
Make a plan:
Write down your goals and identify the steps you need to take to reach them.
Break down big goals into smaller, achievable steps that you can complete within a reasonable timeframe.
For example, if your goal is to be promoted from senior manager to director, research the skills you need to develop and seek out opportunities to hone those skills.
Understand your strengths.
Do a self-assessment to get an idea of the kinds of tasks that bring you satisfaction and those that drain your energy.
Once you have a better understanding of your strengths, you can choose a career that’s aligned with your talents and abilities, as well as your passions.
If you’re passionate about what you do, it won’t feel like work – and you’ll be more likely to excel in your chosen field.
So take the time to understand your strengths, and use that knowledge to choose a career path that will lead to a lifetime of satisfaction.
Continue learning.
In order to be successful in today’s rapidly changing and increasingly competitive world, it is essential to continue learning throughout your career.
Strengthening your qualifications will not only make you more attractive to potential employers, but it will also give you the confidence and skills you need to excel in your role.
Mastering new technology and staying up to date with research in your field will help you to stay ahead of the curve and be better prepared for the challenges you face.
In addition, earning additional certifications and degrees will give you a deeper understanding of how to advance in career field.
Find a mentor.
According to a study by Together Software, you are five times more likely to be promoted if you have a mentor. However, only 37% of professionals have one.
In fact, many career experts recommend multiple mentors for different aspects of your life. One reason why mentors are so important is that they can provide guidance and advice based on their own experiences.
They can also help to open doors and create opportunities that might otherwise be unavailable.
In addition, mentors can act as sounding boards, providing an objective perspective on challenges and helping to brainstorm solutions.
As a result, having a mentor can be a valuable asset in both your personal and professional life.
Be Solution-Oriented:
Work problems are inevitable. Whether it’s a difficult customer, a broken printer, or a looming deadline, there will always be something that can cause stress at work.
And while it’s tempting to just complain about the problem, this usually doesn’t do anything to actually solve it.
Instead, try to offer solutions. This shows that you’re resourceful, capable of thinking outside the box and willing to find creative solutions.
Of course, it’s not always easy to come up with solutions on the spot, so first, take a step back and try to identify the root cause of the problem.
If you’re still stuck, try brainstorming with colleagues or doing some research online. Once you know what’s causing the issue, it will be easier to come up with potential solutions.
The most important thing is to show that you’re willing to put in the effort to find a solution.
Take Initiative:
One of the easiest ways to stand out at work is to simply be proactive. If you see something that needs to be done, don’t wait for someone else to do it – take initiative and get it done.
This shows that you’re a go-getter who is always looking for ways to improve the organization overall.
Not only will taking initiative make your job easier, but it will also make you more likely to be considered for promotions and raises.
Be a Team Player:
Being a team player is important for a number of reasons. First, it allows you to leverage the skills and talents of others to accomplish tasks that you couldn’t do on your own.
Second, it helps to build relationships and trust, which are essential for both personal and professional success.
Finally, it demonstrates your commitment to the team’s success and shows that you are willing to put the group’s needs ahead of your own.
When you work well with others, you create a positive force that can be harnessed to achieve amazing things.
So next time you’re faced with a team project, remember the importance of being a team player and contribute in a way that will benefit everyone involved.
Build Relationships:
Get involved in professional associations and attend industry events. These are great places to meet people who can help you further your career.
Attend networking events with a game plan—know who you want to meet and what you want to accomplish. And don’t forget to follow up after meeting someone new with a quick note on LinkedIn.
Be Patient:
Most people don’t get promoted overnight. It takes time, hard work, and dedication to move up in your career. If you feel like you’re stuck, it might just be a matter of being patient and continuing to work toward your goals.
Stay Motivated:
Maintaining a positive attitude is essential in any job. Approach every task with enthusiasm and showcase your dedication to your work. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is a successful career!
