From entry-level employees to executive leadership, most people in the workforce have career advancement on their minds. Now more than ever, work is more than just a means of putting food on the table; it’s an opportunity to pursue passions, find a sense of purpose and fuel personal growth.
Gone are the days of holding the same job in the same company until retirement. The professional world in 2021 is dynamic and full of opportunities. In fact, the average tenure at a post-entry level job in the U.S. has hovered around only 4.1 years since January 2020—a tenure largely defined by chasing career advancement.
If you’re feeling stuck in your current role or simply want to level up within your organization, take a look at these five tips to further your career.
1. Define Your Career Goals.
The first step of any career move begins with the drawing board; you need to clearly define your career goals. Simply being dissatisfied with your current role isn’t a solid basis for career advancement. You need to know where you’re going.
Before you can begin making moves, take some time to clarify what you’re satisfied within your current career and what you wish you could change. You may also need some time to reassess your passions and specific professional interests. Once you know what you want out of your career, you can direct your efforts toward a definitive goal.
2. Invest in Your Professional Development
If you want to advance your career, upskilling is a must. Honing your current skills is a great place to start, but acquiring additional skills that help future-proof your career are crucial for your success in an ever-evolving professional landscape.
“Invest in your organization’s professional development resources (if available and applicable). Not only will taking advantage of these resources showcase your initiative to your organization’s leadership, but you’ll expand your arsenal of capabilities, increasing your overall market value, Says Stephanie Staiano, CSS ProSearch Sales Director.
And don’t forget—you can earn additional certifications, professional licenses and more outside of your organization.
3. Share—and Show—Your Professional Aspirations
If you’re satisfied with your organization and want to climb the ladder internally, it’s important that you share your aspirations with your supervisor. While promotions take time to earn, putting yourself on your supervisor’s radar as a driven, capable person early in your tenure will prove your fitness for future upper-level positions. In short—be excellent at what you’re already hired to do.
Moreover, don’t shy away from expressing your interest when a promotion opens up. It’s okay to ask about a promotion—but center your case around your team or organization. How will you further your team’s goals? What will you offer your organization in a new role? How will you back up these claims with your achievements? Keep the conversation about your company’s betterment.
4. Get Networking
Another must-have for career advancement is a strong professional support system. Staying connected with old colleagues, mentors and acquaintances in your industry will help you not only glean valuable advice, but increase your visibility within your network.
On the journey to furthering your career, growing and maintaining a strong professional network will put the right people in your corner when it’s time to make the next move.
5. Reach Out to an Experienced Recruitment Firm
Even top performers can become pigeon-holed in organizations that don’t offer clear paths for career growth. If you need to look beyond your current employer to keep your career moving forward, it may be time to connect with a specialized search and recruitment firm like CSS ProSearch.
With in-depth industry knowledge and direct access to top employers in your field, experienced recruitment firms can fast-track your job search and help you land a role that aligns with your career objectives. Give it a shot!