Are You Ready For Your Next Career Level?

Are You Ready For Your Next Career Level?

Entitlement does not apply to most career promotional opportunities. You need to take the time to determine if you are promotion ready. After reviewing the checklist below; request face time if applicable with the hiring point of contact or decision maker and inform them of your interest in the position. If the career promotion that you desire is with your current company; be mindful that there are unspoken factors that may be considered during your potential interview process.

Promotion Ready Triggers and Unspoken Factors Checklist

  • The professional company that you keep while at work is noticed. Focus on surrounding yourself with productive peers that operate in integrity that promotes positive energy.
  • Your ability to be on time for your scheduled shift and appointments matters.
  • Your social media brand is relevant. Review and decide if you need to reorganize your social media presence.
  • The quality and accurate completion of your assigned projects by the designated timeline is being noted.
  • Your attire matters. Go into observation mode and determine if you are currently dressing the part that the desired position requires and/or portrays.
  • Your conversation indicates readiness. What does your message delivery style and tone say about you?
  • Do you meet the qualifications required of the position?
  • Has your thought process and mind-set shifted to the next level your potential promotion requires? Pay attention to the mannerisms of the those at the next level you‘re aiming for.  Are your mannerisms in synch?

Set your timeline of completion to make the necessary shifts to be viewed as the best candidate for your next level position. You are capable and able to accomplish your career goals!

Are Your Skills Current?

Are Your Skills Current?

Spotlight On Talent Your Moment to Shine Skills Abilities Showca

“The quality of a person’s life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen field of endeavor.” ~ Vince Lombardi

During your career search, keeping your industry skills current and relevant should be a constant and consistent focus throughout your search. It is important for you to practice your craft daily and not let excessive time pass to the point that your skills only read well on your resume. Take the time to ensure that your skills remain test ready through conversation or an assessment. Your ultimate goal is to get a return on your education and training investment that you are proud of and feel well compensated for. Keeping your skills sharp is a factor to being interview ready. The future of you career is worthy of your skills refresh time and can potentially lead you in successful salary negotiation if warranted.

Have fun and get creative with your practice and review sessions to keep your skills industry relevant and current.

Persevere And Remain Encouraged

Persevere And Remain Encouraged

Motivational message.

A career search can cause you to experience a range of emotions that can sometimes lead to frustration. Career search frustration can encompass; the unexpected duration of your career search, interview outcomes, financial needs, and sometimes feeling unfulfilled with your current career path based upon multiple variables. To combat frustration, it is important for you to focus on the positive experiences and results of your career search to date and remain encouraged. It is within your ability to implement power filled thoughts, words, and planning fortitude when you need to overcome frustration.

“Courage and perseverance have a magical talisman, before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish into air.” ~ John Quincy Adams

Below are a few ways to remain encouraged during your career search.

  • Speak positive affirmations during each instance of frustration. Example: I will connect with an industry professional that will lead me to my employable opportunity.
  • Push and encourage yourself to have a mind shift of perspective that will ignite you to re-strategize your career search if applicable.
  • Do something that makes you smile and/or laugh.
  • Seek advice from industry influencers.
  • Display an attitude that is open to receiving constructive feedback that can help you improve your marketability and skills.

 

 

Be On Time

Be On Time

Pocket watch swinging on a chain black background

During your career search it is important for you to be on time for every appointment and deadline that is requested of you.  Being on time is a sign of respect and shows that you take being considered for a potential position seriously.  Not being on time for interviews or data submission deadlines will not be viewed as favorable by a potential employer. Aim not to let nervousness or insignificant situations cause delay for you during your career search.

Make time management a consistent focus daily in all that you do. Plan your day and get into a routine of checking the traffic and weather reports to determine if you need to leave earlier than intended for interviews. Create lists with timelines of completion that will assist you in being prompt with submitting or completing assigned career assessments. Strive for your timeliness to be a strong trait in your professional regime. Being on time is an unspoken professional expectation in all industries.

Know Thyself

Know Thyself

Hand and word Progress

What is the recipe for successful achievement? To my mind there are just four essential ingredients: Choose a career you love, give it the best there is in you, seize your opportunities, and be a member of the team. ~ Benjamin F. Fairless

Before you start your career search or plan to change your current career path; it is crucial for you to complete a self-reflection of how you want your career path to manifest. Breakdown your career plan beyond position details and income. Identify a top ten list of what you want your next position on your career path to provide you.

Career Path Development Exercise and Questions  

  • Take a personality test.
  • Career Changers, review your resume and determine what your top experiences from your previous positions were. Are they potential transferable experiences to your next role?
  • New Grads, what classes did you enjoy and excel in during school? Are there possible positions that will provide you the opportunity to expand your learning and experience in that area?
  • Were there community service experiences that brought you fulfillment that can be transferred over to a professional position?
  • Was there a success story that you observed or read that you need to revisit and research how you can have similar success outcomes?