4 ways to take control of your career starting today

Insights Author: Kara Bouchier

Feel like you’re stuck in your job or that your career’s on autopilot? Want to step up a ladder rung or two or find a more inspiring role? It’s time to take control! Our resident expert, Kara Bouchier, has some insightful career management tips.

Lots of us grapple with feelings of stagnation in our jobs, or like we’re not in the driver’s seat when it comes to moving our careers forward. This reality can leave us feeling unmotivated, unfulfilled and not looking forward to Mondays.

But the good news is that you don’t have to sit back and wait for the next opportunity to come knocking. By taking control of the situation, you can enhance your employability and set yourself on a happy, successful career path!

Here are four ways to do it that you can start working on today.

1. Develop in-demand skills

 Whatever role or industry you’re in, being successful today means going beyond the basics. Employers are increasingly seeking a broader range of hard and soft skills to keep up with evolving business needs.

What are some of the key skills in demand? Skills vary across industries, so hop online and do some research into what employers in your industry are looking for right now.

However, there are some of the big ones that cut across all, including leadership, communication, project management, digital literacy, data analysis, critical thinking and, a huge one, adaptability.

If you notice any gaps in your skill set, now’s the time to fill them! There are plenty of professional courses and self-development programs available to help you stay competitive and ready for new opportunities.

Related: 7 tech-savvy skills today’s employers want

 2. Build a strong personal brand

Personal branding is all about taking charge of how people think and feel about you. You may think that it’s only something for entrepreneurs and business owners. But it’s actually a great way to stand out and grow your career, whatever type of role you’re in.

Importantly, building a personal brand isn’t about faking it or being someone you’re not. It’s about showcasing your skills and knowledge and begins with self-awareness.

Here are three simple steps to building your brand:

• Decide what you want to be known for – What makes you unique in the market? Define it and spell it out, e.g. I’m the go-to person for organising large events’ or ‘I bring precision and clarity to numbers, helping businesses make better financial decisions.’
• Showcase your hard and soft skills online –Your LinkedIn profile is the place to do this. You can also use LinkedIn as a space to get seen by sharing insights or industry tips.
• Live your brand and be reliable – Your brand is defined by your actions, not just your words. Live by your values, be dependable and demonstrate initiative—qualities that will always push you forward.

Related: 7 tips to improve your LinkedIn profile

3. Improve your networking skills

Networking is all about spending time with and building meaningful connections with other professionals.

Why do it? Because it allows you to expand your network, build your reputation (the personal brand we just talked about!) and open the door for new opportunities.

One way to network is online. But nothing beats good old-fashioned face-to-face networking. Look out for networking groups in your area. For example, in Newcastle we have groups like Business Hunter who regularly put on events.

If you’re not a natural networker, feel the fear and do it anyway! The more you do it, the easier it will be. Being able to communicate with different types of people at different levels of business is a big plus.

That person you start chatting to over coffee might just be your next boss or the key to a new job!

4. Be targeted in your applications

When you’re looking for new roles, don’t just send your resume off to every business with a position to fill. Being strategic in what you apply for will help you build the type of career you want.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Narrow your focus – Identify the industries you want to work in, for example legal, healthcare or digital marketing. Also, think about the job titles you aspire to and the companies you like.
2. Research companies – Once you’ve identified this, learn about the culture, values and priorities of those companies through their website, socials or employee reviews on platforms like Glassdoor.
3. Find career alignment – Choose roles where your skills and experience match the company’s needs. Don’t try and shoehorn yourself into a role that isn’t the right fit.
4. Tailor your resume for each role – Focus on the job description to highlight your most relevant skills and experience, incorporate language from the job listing to pass Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and use numbers to demonstrate impact.
5. Write custom cover letters – As with your resume, don’t just do the same version of a cover letter for every job you apply for. Make sure you mention the company’s values or accomplishments, connect them to your strengths, and highlight why your skills and goals align with the company and the role. And don’t forget to address it to the person actually hiring!
6. Track your applications – Create a spreadsheet to track your applications. If you don’t hear back after two weeks, send a polite follow-up email.

Last but not least, if you get an interview, make sure you properly prepare for it!

Related: How to write a follow-up email to a hiring manager

Effort equals career success!

Taking control of your career might take a bit of work, including an ongoing commitment to personal and professional growth. But by following these proactive steps and staying focused, you can create exciting new opportunities for yourself.

Looking to grow your career? Start a conversation with us today! We can help you with each of these career development steps and help you find the perfect job with the right employer!