Many of us start our working lives with ambitions to progress, climb the ladder or excel in a certain field. It’s not always easy to reach the top or find a job that you love but there are ways to maximize the chances. In this guide, we’ll explore some practical steps you can take to improve your career prospects.
Studying and learning
Many of the top roles require extensive study and ongoing learning. Even if you have already completed a degree, you may find that you need additional qualifications to get to the next level and ensure you stand out when competing against other candidates for sought-after roles. If you have grand plans to get a promotion, or you’re thinking about changing careers to get a better job, it’s always beneficial to research positions and see what kinds of qualifications you need.
If you find that you don’t currently cross the boxes on the job advert, or competition for offers is fierce, consider options like studying online and doing a course like an online analytics degree, talk to your boss about applying for programs that the company might be interested in assisting you to fund and explore learning opportunities you can undertake while working. In some cases, you won’t need to have additional qualifications but it can help you to distinguish yourself from others if you’re looking for roles within industries where the demand for high-level jobs outweighs the supply.
Training
Training is an excellent way to develop your skill set, learn new skills and keep up to date with updates and innovations within the sector in which you work but it can also demonstrate commitment. If you are willing to attend workshops, complete courses online or go to training sessions regularly, this shows that you are dedicated and that you want to progress. You can enhance your resume by including training certificates and additional qualifications, and you might also impress your current employer or a new employer if you’re considering getting a different job. Training can be beneficial across all industries.
Diversifying your skill set for in-demand jobs
There is currently a global skills shortage, which means that employers are eager to find candidates that have the necessary skills for in-demand jobs. In industries and fields where there is a lack of skilled candidates, those who do have the required qualifications, training and talents are in a strong position to negotiate an attractive employment package. As an employee who has ambitions to go far, find a job they love and earn more, there is an opportunity to enhance career prospects by diversifying your skill set. If you’re struggling to move up the ladder in your current organization, or you’re keen to change careers, consider undertaking study or training to fill gaps. Examples of jobs where specialist skills are in demand include artificial intelligence, coding, cloud computing, app and software development, digital journalism, and video and audio production.
Committing to hard work to secure a promotion
If you enjoy working for your current employer or you have ambitions to excel within the industry, it’s a fantastic idea to try and increase your chances of securing a promotion. Commit to hard work, take on every task with enthusiasm, be willing to do overtime to meet deadlines or fill gaps in staffing, and talk to your boss so that they are aware of your aims and career goals. Show that you are serious about moving up in the company and consider applying if more senior jobs become available. Volunteer to take on more responsibility, share views, ideas and suggestions in meetings and team catch-ups, and demonstrate your passion for the role. Internal recruitment can be hugely beneficial for employers, as it costs a lot less than hiring external candidates and onboarding and it is less risky. Employers know that they are working with somebody who shares their values and fits into the team when they promote an existing employee. Be clear about what you want to achieve and keep reminding your boss that you’re eager to get ahead.
Review and update your resume
If you are looking for a new job or you are applying for a more senior role at work, take some time to review and update your resume. You may need to include additional information, add skills, qualifications or training certificates and take out anything that is irrelevant to the role since you last submitted your resume to an employer or recruitment agency. Make sure your resume is succinct, highlight your achievements and strengths and tailor every application to the individual role. Most employers will skim through a pile of papers or online applications so you only have a few seconds to impress. Keep your resume brief and to the point, including valuable, useful information only. Try to ensure that you stand out by adding details of training, specific skills and any extra-curricular activities that could enhance your application.
If you have applied for several roles and never got an interview, it may be worth seeking advice to see if you can improve your resume. Recruitment agencies and careers advisers can provide recommendations and suggestions and there’s also a host of resources available online. You can also attend classes and dedicated sessions to help you enhance your interview skills if you’re having trouble impressing at this stage of the application process. Experts can help you conquer nerves, build confidence and manage anxiety, improve your presentation skills and practice answering tricky, searching questions. Confidence is often a major barrier when it comes to succeeding in interviews. Practice can help to increase confidence and induce calm. It’s also beneficial to take feedback on board and to ensure you take your time when thinking about responses.
Are you looking to get a promotion, or are you thinking about changing careers or searching for new opportunities with a different employer? If you’re keen to enhance your career prospects, there are several steps you can take. From studying, training and diversifying your skill set to demonstrating dedication and commitment and making sure you have an excellent resume, it’s possible to improve your chances of landing your dream job.