7 Ways To Advance Your Career
We’ve all been there before. Stuck at work, not sure how to get that raise, or even worse, receiving the dreaded 3% annual raise that can’t even keep up with inflation. Whatever your experiences or needs, everyone wants to know how they can do better in their career. But getting ahead doesn’t have to mean putting in excruciatingly long hours or searching for a new job. What you need is right at your fingertips.
Here are seven of the most important activities you should always be doing to advance in your field and bulletproof your career for the future.
1. Stay organized.
It’s so important to keep all of your career documents, be it resumes, cover letters or letters of recommendation, organized and at hand for whenever you need them. You can use Career Companion to keep track of all your documents and store them in one place. Also make sure they’re up-to-date.
2. Network!
Never underestimate the power of who you know. Networking is crucial to advancing in your career… You never know who you’re going to meet, and what they’re going to be able to do for you. After all, 85% of all jobs are filled through networking! Put some time aside every week to actively network, whether that means going to events or reaching out on LinkedIn or Twitter.
In the same vein, offer to help people in your network on a regular basis. This leads to stronger teams, more effective organization, and more success on both sides. In a time where employee retention is fairly low, maintaining high performing teams helps both you and your company. Studies show when team members help each other, they’re more likely to stick around.
3. Take leadership roles.
When given the opportunity — say, when your manager is out of the office — you should try to step into a leadership role and let your skills shine. Don’t try to take over their role, but do communicate with them to see what you can do to take charge in their absence.
4. Write articles or give presentations.
You have an area of expertise because you have knowledge… And you should share it! Not only will this help others, but it will also help you learn to distill information and expand your personal brand. If you’re not too keen on writing articles, jump at the opportunity to craft presentations. Studies show 70% of employees who give presentations see those skills as crucial to workplace success. Good presenters tend to have more confidence and strong organizational skills, which are both critical to a successful career.
5. Keep learning.
The best bosses, CEOs, entrepreneurs, and employees never stop learning. As the business landscape changes, and you need to keep up. You can do this by:
· Attending events. Going to events (and networking!) will allow you to meet new people and keep up with trends. Look up career fairs in your area if you’re searching for a new job, or try attending talks if you want to simply hear from others in your field. When in doubt, TED and TEDx talks are a great resource!
· Reading articles to keep up with current events or upcoming trends that impact your career or business. The Skimm is a great resource for daily newsletters filled with current information.
· Listening to podcasts relevant to your field or points of interest.
6. Do your research.
Are you aware of your competition? Do you know exactly what you need to bring to the table at interviews, conferences, or meetings? It’s important to do your research so you can keep up with the competition and stay ahead.
7. Practice your negotiation skills.
Negotiating well is one of the keys to getting the most out of your career, and it’s a skill that requires time and practice. Those who aren’t well practiced in the art of negotiation are 60% less successful than those who are. One of the secrets to strong negotiation is knowing your own worth. If you have a deep understanding of what you’re bringing to the table, you’ll be more confident in negotiating for it! After all, studies show fear is the number one reason people don’t negotiate their salaries.
The idea of advancing your career can be daunting — but it doesn’t have to be!
Stay alert and on top of new ideas and trends, help others and receive help in return, and stay sharp when it comes to skills you may have already developed. Career Companion can help you be organized when it comes to taking steps to accelerate your career and teach you the skills you need to succeed.
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