Finding the right job in the current market can be very tough, but there might be something closer than you think that could fit the bill very nicely – your current company! Of course, climbing the ladder can often feel like the rungs are greased and the top is miles away. But don’t worry, advancing within your current company doesn't require a magic wand or a secret handshake. With the right strategies, you can rise through the ranks faster than a cat video goes viral.
Here are Five Fast Facts on advancing within your current company:
- ⛰️ Get A Sherpa - You don’t see mountain climbers making it to the summit of Mt. Everest without a sherpa. Likewise, one of the best things you can do to advance your career is to get a mentor. This person can help you navigate your career in general as well as in your specific company, and help get you in the door to new opportunities. And you won’t even have to worry about frostbite!
- 💪 Grow Yourself - Talk to your own manager about where you want to go with your career. Ask for new challenges and feedback on how to improve your own performance. This attitude – and the things you learn along the way – will show that you’re ready to take the next step in your career.
- 👍 Upskill Yourself - If you want a new role, you’ll need some new skills. Find training programs or courses that help provide the foundation, and look for ways to demonstrate those shiny new abilities in your work. Companies want to see workers who are growing and improving, so yeah, be that guy or gal!
- 🧬 Adaptation Is Key - Career progression is never a straight path – there will be curves and bumps along the way! Show your willingness and ability to embrace change and try new things, or new ways of doing things. This tells your leaders that you’re ready to take on bigger challenges and still find ways to thrive even when things go sideways.
- 🤝 Network, Baby - We hear it all the time, but that’s because it’s true: it’s who you know. If you’ve searched online job listings lately, you’ll know it’s not uncommon to see hundreds or thousands of applications for a single job, and it’s virtually impossible to rise to the top of that pile of resumes. But, if you know someone who knows someone, you can get a personal referral and skip to the head of the line. The interview is up to you, of course, but networking can get you into a room that is otherwise closed.
🔥Bottom line: Getting ahead doesn’t take a secret formula or a magic wand (though sometimes it seems like it)! You just need a proactive plan and a commitment to learn and grow until you get where you want to be. Seek guidance from those who have been there before, and follow their advice. And then, when you’re on the other side of it, be ready to give back to others, too!
What’s your best advice for growing your career at your current company?
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