Top tips for boosting your career prospects | If you have been working in the same job for a while now, you might be feeling like it’s time for a change. Yet equally, being in the same position for that long may have left you with a lack of confidence when it comes to job hunting or trying out for a promotion. With that in mind, here are some top tips to help you improve your chances of successfully climbing that career ladder.
Polish your resume and online presence
One of the first steps to take when it comes to finding a new job is cleaning up your resume and digital presence. After all, these are the things a potential employer will initially be judging you on. Check that your resume looks neat and professional and has all the latest information about your skills and current employment on it. You should also work on your LinkedIn profile to make sure it’s as impressive as possible.
Study for a professional qualification
If you feel as though your skill set is lacking in some areas or that you have the skills, but they are not officially recognized in any way, studying for a professional qualification could be the perfect solution. An organization such as Innovate Awarding can help you to receive formal qualifications even without going back to college, which you can then use to build your knowledge and dazzle potential employers.
Find a mentor
If you are looking for some personal feedback and advice on how to progress in your industry, a mentor could be just what you need. This is a person you can discuss your goals with, receive constructive criticism, and learn specific skills. Try looking for someone who is currently in the position you would like to have in three to five years’ time, and reach out to ask them if you can have a chat over coffee. This is a great way to get a feel for whether your personalities match and the relationship will be fruitful.
Network
Even outside of a mentor relationship, networking with other professionals in your industry can be a very effective way of getting your name out there and boosting your career prospects. You will be able to find out about new opportunities, discuss ideas and the latest developments in your field, and share valuable advice and feedback. Plus, it can be a wonderful way to gain confidence and make new lifelong friends!
Work on your transferable skills
While job-specific skills and knowledge are, of course, crucial to your career development, they are not the only ones that matter. Transferable skills are important no matter what industry you work in, but they are often neglected. They include talents such as teamwork, communication, leadership, decision making, critical thinking, organization, and time management. A good tactic to try is to make a list of all the areas that you feel you are weak in and then tackle them head-on. For example, this could be through taking short online courses, reading books in the relevant areas, or talking with others about how to improve.
