Charter College issued the following announcement.
You like your job. You work hard at it. But now it’s time to climb the ladder. How do you get to the next rung? What steps can you take to move up? Here are 10 pieces of career advice that could help you advance your position:
1. Have a Great Work Ethic
The best way to show you’re ready for the next level is through your work ethic. Come in early and stay a little late. Stay ahead of your deadlines and always be a team player. Most importantly, complete your work as accurately as possible — double check it. The more you put into your job, the more you’ll get out of it.
2. Never Say No to More Responsibility at Work
You may not like the sound of your boss asking you to take on more work but it’s a sign that he trusts you to do the job and not someone else. Having more responsibility also gives you room to grow as a professional. And the more duties on your plate, the more you can list on your resume.
3. Keep Your Resume and Skills Updated
Speaking of your resume, when was the last time you updated it? You should update it often—at least twice a year, and especially after you start a new job. You never know when a job or networking opportunity will pop up, and you don’t want to miss out on it because your resume isn’t current.
4. It’s Not Just Who You Know, But Who Knows You
Network, network, network. Set up a LinkedIn profile and attend career fairs—but make sure you go the extra mile to get recognized. Make business cards and hand them out. Seek out people who work in your field and have your dream job and connect with them. You want people to know who you are so if an opportunity arises, they’ll have you in mind.
5. Find a Career Mentor
A good way to set yourself up for success is to find a mentor. Choose someone who has the experience you want and ask them how they got there. A mentor can also be a good connection to have because they can keep you informed of any industry trends or job opportunities that can help you succeed.
6. Use Every Job as a Learning Opportunity
You may not be in your dream career field right now, but what skills have you acquired that could be applied to your future career? Maybe your customer service experience has taught you how to be a good communicator or how to problem solve. Whatever job you’ve had or currently have, use it as an opportunity to learn new things that will help you advance.
7. Don’t Just Dress the Part, Act the Part
They say you should dress for the job you want, not the job you have. That’s true—a professional appearance shows that you’re responsible and looks favorable to employers. But your appearance means nothing if you don’t act like a professional. Always show up on time and act kind and courteous with everyone, regardless of how they act with you. A boss wants to hire someone who’s capable, but also someone they like.
8. Don’t Be Afraid to Speak Up at Work
This is particularly good advice if your boss hosts staff meetings and asks for ideas or feedback. That’s a golden opportunity to stand out from the crowd and show you’re thinking critically. Maybe you’ve heard of a new tool that will allow you to schedule appointments more efficiently. Or maybe you’ve gotten requests from customers for a new website feature. Whatever it is, speak up. When you show that you have ideas, you show that you’re ready to advance.
9. Anticipate Your Boss’ Needs
Think about your boss’s needs and try to stay one step ahead of him or her. If you know they have a meeting coming up, set up the room ahead of time. Or, if you know they’re going to ask for that monthly report, go ahead and get it done. Put it in their hands before they have a chance to ask for it. It shows you know how to take initiative.
10. Get an Education to Advance Your Career
If you’re ready to take the initiative to switch careers, contact Charter College today. We offer a variety of career programs in Business, Health Care, Information Technology, Veterinary Assistant, and some Trades that can prepare you for an entry-level job in an exciting new field. Call 888-200-9942 or fill out the form to learn more.
Original source can be found here.