How to advance your career

How to advance your career How to advance your careerPosted July 25, 2013, by Jo Messer Do you feel like youve hit a bit of a wall in your career and want to advance but dont know how? Here are some tried and tested tips to get you on your way. Identify your goals Unless you know where you want to go, you wont get there. Its up to you to take ownership of your career, so figure out what you want, then be proactive and go after it. Lets face it no one else is going to do it for you. Make your goals known Managers are not mind readers, so dont assume your boss or anyone else in your organisation knows what your goals are. If you dont make it known they are most likely going to presume you are happy with the status quo. Let your boss know what you are aiming to achieve, ask for his or her support and seek advice on areas for skill development. Know your company Do you really know what your companys goals are strategically, financially and culturally? If you dont know the answer, then you need to find out. What are their core values? What types of people get promoted? Seize opportunities Wishing things will happen isnt enough. Its time to abflug doing Make a list of practical things you can do join an association, do a course, take on a leadership role in a team, present at a conference, go to industry seminars. Remember, it is the small steps along the way that will propel you in the right direction. Network Build relationships with other people in the organisation. It is important to network across all levels of the company so seek out opportunities to meet new people. It all comes down to increasing your visibility and connecting with the decision-makers. Make sure you participate in company gatherings and social events such as team building activities or casual drinks after work. Create a positive image Remember do unto others as you would want done to you. That means be nice, keep a smile on your face and at all times, be friendly and approachable. The more positive you are, the more likeable you are. Avoid entering into negative conversations about others, or the organisation the walls do have ears Establish your presence You want people to see that you are competent and that you have potential. Before you attend meetings, review agenda items and prepare a few questions dont just speak for the sake of it, but be sure to share your ideas when you have value to add. Visibility is the key to advancement and you want to make sure you are the first partie management thinks of when it comes to promotion time. Find a mentor A mentorcan help you to focus and can be a great source of ideas for your professional development and growth. Is there someone in the organisation you could approach to be your mentor? Is there an existing mentor program within the company? Look for people to connect with who have been or are in the position you are aiming for. Remember, nothing worth having comes easy, so your best chance for success is to be proacti ve and take ownership of your career. One of the best ways to advance your career is to expand your skill set. See our range of online coursesto help you upskill. ResourcesMy first resumeCover letter for my first jobCareer Insider StoriesShelley Lask - Body Positive Health & FitnessInterested in becoming a?Human Resources OfficerGeneral ManagerBusiness ManagerAccountantOffice AdministratorPopular Career Searchescareer objective for accountant assistanthow to ace your next interviewpersuasive career change cover letterwhy did you choose this careercareer change CoursesBachelor of Social WorkEnquire Online Enquire OnlineCertificate III in Health AdministrationEnquire Online Enquire OnlineBachelor of Criminal JusticeEnquire Online Enquire OnlineCertificate III in Allied Health AssistanceEnquire Online Enquire OnlineJo MesserRelated ArticlesBrowse moreEntertainment career fact sheetIs show business your calling? Check out our entertainment fact sheet to find outChristmasVolunteeringGive a little why you should volunteer this ChristmasWhats more fashionable than giving a knitted jumper with a snowman on it this Christmas? Giving your time through volunteering Heres how you can get involved.Animal CareEmployment trendsWhats your job outlook? 10 careers that are on the upTheres one question weighing on everyones mind Is my job safe? Weve put together a list of 10 jobs currently projected to grow very strongly over the coming years.