Though you work hard, you may find yourself stuck in a career rut. Perhaps you have been passed over for promotions or turned down for a raise. If you find that you are no longer growing professionally, try these tips to give yourself a boost.
Develop Your Leadership Skills
When businesses hire for new positions or promote their employees, they often consider leadership potential. Working on your leadership development will make you more attractive to hiring managers as you pursue new opportunities or offer to take on more responsibility.
Increase Your Networking Efforts
With your home life and other obligations outside of your job, it may be difficult to find the time to connect with people in your industry. However, even small efforts to network can help you reap big rewards later. Try breaking out of your regular lunch crowd and treating a new colleague to a meal. You may also want to volunteer for projects that will expose you to other professionals in your industry.
Ask for a Performance Review
A performance review from your boss can help you understand areas where you need to grow, but it does more than that. An evaluation also gives your boss an opportunity to notice your strengths, which may go unnoticed in the day-to-day flurry of activity. When you initiate this process, it demonstrates that you are serious about your job and your growth.
Pursue More Education
Increasing your knowledge and skills, particularly to address changes in your industry, is a sure-fire way to advance your career. This doesn’t have to be difficult. You can educate yourself through webinars or online classes. Seminars and workshops are also a great opportunity to gain more expertise.
Establish a Plan
A multi-year plan for where you want to be and how you plan to get there can provide you with the direction you need to take meaningful steps toward your professional goals. When you develop your plan make sure to leave some room for things to change.
Consider a Move
If you find that you are still stagnant after making efforts to improve your career, it may be time to consider a move to a different company or even a different industry. Though this can be a daunting decision to make, you should consider a change if you are unable to grow in your current position.
Boosting your career may seem difficult if you find yourself in a lull, but simple steps can help you renew your professional momentum.
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