Whether you work for a large industrial facility or a small, locally owned one, you want to get ahead in your career. But not all advancement opportunities are equal and you need to take some time and think through what you want before you make a move.
Where do you begin? Start with these steps:
Define your goals.
You know you want to get ahead in your career. But is the logical next move really what you want, or are you looking for something different? Before making a decision, it’s essential to define your goals, so you can then create a plan based on them. You’ll also have a better sense of whether you’ll be able to achieve your career objectives with your current employer or if a job change is necessary.
Create a plan.
Once you know what you’re trying to achieve, whether it’s winning a managerial position or gaining a more specialized set of skills, you can develop a plan for reaching them. Do you need to get certified in a certain area? Enroll in the company’s training and mentoring program? Or take an online course? Write down and identify all these tangible steps, including a timeline for reaching them, to achieve a successful outcome.
Focus on the positive.
If you’re not happy in your current position and are interested in making a move, whether to a different role or employer, don’t go down a negative path and gossip or bash your boss. Even if you don’t have a good relationship with him or her, focus instead on the fact that you’re starting to make the changes necessary to reach your goal. Learn everything you can from your situation and let go of the rest.
Talk to those you know.
If you have a friend or family member who has the kind of job you want, ask them how they got there. Talk about their steps and struggles, so you can gain first-hand knowledge and insight into how you, too can achieve similar goals.
Talk to your boss.
If you want to move up in your company and think you’re ready to take the leap, talk with your boss about your career aspirations. They’ll be able to give you the inside scoop on what you need to do in order to increase visibility among the leadership team. They’ll also be able to keep you in mind for any opportunities that arise.
Work with an employment agency.
If you’re ready to hit the ground running with a different company, consider working with an employment agency. They know who’s hiring and also which organizations are the best fit for your goals and lifestyle. If you’re ready to find out more, contact Encadria Staffing Solutions for help or search our jobs now.