Feeling stuck in your career?
You’re not alone.
According to a survey by the Pew Research Center, 63% of workers who quit their jobs in 2021 did so because they felt there were no opportunities for growth.
Even if climbing the corporate ladder isn’t your main goal, making yourself more promotable can help you stay relevant.
With so many jobs at risk of automation, companies are looking for employees who can provide an immediate return on investment.
No matter where you are in your career, there are strategies to help you move forward more quickly.
Here are some easy-to-follow tips to help you get started.
Be Realistic
Remember Ryan from The Office?
He’s the temp who suddenly became a corporate executive.
Then, he got arrested for fraud because he lied about the company sales figures.
Building a solid foundation is more important than skyrocketing to the top.
These strategies will help you build a foundation that supports advancement:
- Adjust your expectations. Pick goals that you can achieve. Overnight success is rare, but you can prepare yourself to take advantage of any opportunities that come your way.
- Understand your strengths. Do a self-assessment. Notice the kinds of tasks that bring you satisfaction and those that drain your energy. Choose a career that’s aligned with your talents and abilities, as well as your passions.
- Continue learning. Strengthen your qualifications. Master new technology and stay up to date with research in your field. Earn additional certifications and degrees. Talk with others about their roles and teach them what you know.
- Work on soft skills. Remember that employers care about how you work, as well as what’s on your resume. Hone your oral and written communication skills. Practice active listening. Manage your time effectively.
- Build your confidence. Believe in yourself and your abilities. You’ll need to persevere through obstacles and rejections.
- Seek balance. Paying attention to your life outside the office makes you more productive and less likely to burn out. Spend time with family and friends. Develop enriching hobbies. Take breaks and use your vacation days.
- Have fun. Enjoy the journey. Focus on what you like about your work. Use humor to relieve stressful situations. Remember the purpose behind your activities.
Act Boldly
Being competent in your role matters, but you’ll want to do more than that in order to stand out.
Go beyond your job description with these techniques:
- Network vigorously. Cultivate relationships that are long-term and mutually supportive. Connect with others online and off. Be authentic and generous. Set specific goals, like attending one event each month and making three new contacts.
- Welcome feedback. Does being evaluated make you anxious? Look at feedback as an opportunity to learn and grow. Ask others for their input and thank them for helping you.
- Find a mentor. You’re five times more likely to be promoted if you have a mentor, but only 37% of professionals have one, according to a study by Together Software. Many experts recommend multiple mentors for different aspects of your life.
- Take on challenges. Venture outside your comfort zone. Think positive and show initiative. Figure out your boss’s priorities and present them with proposals that match their needs.
- Demonstrate leadership. Whatever your current position is, you can influence and inspire others. Stay informed about developments in your industry. Speak up at meetings. Deliver high performance and collaborate with others.
- Promote yourself. Make yourself more visible. Volunteer for high visibility projects and committees. Showcase your work online. Be willing to share the spotlight with others.
Case Study: Jamie’s Story
Instead of waiting to be asked, look for opportunities to take on more responsibility.
This could mean volunteering for new projects, offering to help a team member, or suggesting ways to improve current processes.
Jamie, an entry-level marketing assistant, felt like her career was going nowhere.
She started volunteering to lead small projects and took on additional tasks that no one else wanted.
Within six months, her boss noticed her efforts and promoted her to a marketing coordinator position.
By taking initiative, Jamie showed she was ready for more responsibility and growth.
Case Study: Aria’s Journey
Upskilling is essential in today’s rapidly changing job market.
Take advantage of free online courses, attend workshops, and earn certifications relevant to your field.
The more skills you have, the more valuable you become to your employer.
Aria was an HR specialist who felt stuck in a repetitive role.
She started taking online courses in data analysis and people analytics, areas her company was looking to develop.
After applying her new skills to streamline internal processes, she not only received recognition but also a new role that came with a raise and more responsibilities.
Aria’s investment in learning led directly to career growth.
Case Study: Mark’s Transformation
Networking isn’t just about meeting new people; it’s about building relationships that can help you advance.
Seek out mentors within your company, join professional groups, and attend industry events.
Being visible and connected can open up opportunities you might not have known existed.
Mark, a software engineer, felt like he was hitting a ceiling at his company.
He began attending industry meetups, engaging with peers on LinkedIn, and regularly reaching out to colleagues in different departments.
Through these connections, Mark learned about a new team forming at his company.
His proactive networking led him to a new role on that team, one that was a perfect fit for his skills and ambitions.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Feeling stuck doesn’t mean you have to stay stuck.
By showing initiative, investing in your skills, and building meaningful relationships, you can create opportunities for growth, no matter where you are in your career.
