Is your monotonous job ‘not responding’ to your career goals? Here are 10 tips for a kick-start
Very often, our lives in the grind of the megacity become like over-run computer programs. If you’ve had problems with dear ol’ Microsoft Word while working on several open documents at a time, you’ll know what we’re talking about. Sometimes, in spite of your experience and flair with multitasking, you have to save, close and restart all over again. With a bang.
Your career too requires a tune up every now and then, like your car and MS Word. Since a monotonous job or a sagging industry can endanger prospects of your growth, it is imperative for you to assess your ultimate career goals and plot out how you will achieve them. Here are ten tips to put your stalled career in a much needed overdrive.
DIAGNOSE YOUR LIFE
The first step in your tune up is conducting an assessment of where you are and where you want to be in your career. For example, are you at a point in your life where you truly can dedicate more time to your career or are there other areas of your life that need your attention? Most of us in the 20s would say yes to this and subsequently be willing to experiment.
Your life diagnosis should include factors of your family and marriage too. Therefore, we advise you to take time off (considerable time off, not a Sunday jaunt to Lonavala) to brainstorm.
MAP OUT YOUR CAREER PATH
If your goal is to be director of your department, investigate what skills and accomplishments you need and set out to acquire them. If you know the right career path for you means leaving your current company, make sure you are prepared to launch a fullscale job search.
If you have plans of changing jobs or further studies, start researching in the free time on your current job and don’t let the daily grind stall your plans.
TIME TO SWITCH GEARS?
Sometimes, capitalising on your career potential means not only changing jobs, but completely changing careers. Perhaps it’s time to give up the hectic corporate life for the enriching experience of teaching. Or maybe now is the time to launch that business you always dreamed of, or to explore your creative side with a job involving one of your hobbies.
A practical way to get started is to begin networking and making enquiries with friends, cousins or acquaintances.
INSTALL SKILL UPGRADES
Is there a particular trend emerging in your industry? Perhaps a new way of marketing to customers or projecting sales figures? Become an expert in those areas. It will serve you to be at the cutting edge of industry practices whether in your current job or the one you want.
REV UP TECH KNOW-HOW
Most industries utilise particular equipment or computer applications that are standard in their fields. Make sure you learn what these are and how to use them. Technology can move quickly. Don’t fall behind or you risk being sidelined.
Nowadays, HR experts too advise to be updated on the latest computing languages, programs and softwares. You never know how they will help you later.
MAINTAIN LEARNING LEVELS
If the next step in your career requires a master’s degree, don’t hesitate to enroll in the necessary classes. There are so many flexible options today for working men and women who are seeking advanced degrees. Obtain the required certifications and attend professional seminars to stay updated.
POLISH YOUR RÉSUMÉ
Have you tucked your resume away in a folder or on a CD ever since you got on with your current job? Well, now it’s time to dust it off and be prepared for opportunities – either internal or with a new organisation.
TEST DRIVE INTERVIEW SKILLS
Interviewing techniques often tend to get rusty with time. What worked with your
employer five years ago may fall flat this time. Practice with a friend so you’re comfortable discussing your qualifications, even if it’s at a professional event or cocktail party.
JOB HUNT, THE NEW WAY
If you’ve kept your eyes and ears open while rotting in your current job, you wil know that umpteen job search sites are competing to get your resume and find you a fab job. It’s time to brush up on your job search options. Investigate these, start going to career fairs and professional organisations, and keep in touch with your own set of contacts.
SPARK CONNECTIONS
The best way to find out about new opportunities and assess your marketability is to touch base with other professionals in your field. Reconnect with former colleagues, fellow association members and former classmates and share information
