Marketing Coordinator in Florida, United States
Is it Time to Start Advancing in Your Career?
If you’ve been thinking it’s time for a change and you’re ready for the next big step, then it might be time to work on advancement opportunities within your career. This is your year to get noticed by company leaders and secure that big promotion that you deserve. Supercharge your career, by putting a plan in place now to ensure that you’re taking all of the right steps and putting your best foot forward.
Here are some ideas that will help take you to the next level in your career:
1. Network and establish solid relationships
Beyond finding a mentor within your company, you should also look to other influencers within your industry from whom you can learn from. These people should be advisers, role models or mentors in which you can reach out to for direction and advice. Make sure you are able to create mutually beneficial relationships if you want them to develop into a concrete network.
2. Establish goals and finish them
When establishing goals, make sure not to bite off more than you can chew. Set stretch goals that are realistic and ones you want to accomplish. For example set goals such as: expanding your skill-based knowledge, joining an association, earning a promotion, receiving a certification or even writing an article. Career Builder mentions in an article called, How to advance your career in 2014, that it is also important to align your goals with your company’s. This shows that you are interested in the better of the company, as well as making your team successful.
3. Inspire others and be a leader
Being a leader is about understanding your skills and strengths and focusing them on the success of the team. It can be very hard to put your work on hold to help others, but it also shows your leadership ability and when it comes time for bonuses and raises – this is the kind of thing that inspires people to believe in and support you.
4. See the BIG picture
Understand the direction of the company. Take a step back, ask questions and learn how things are happening. Employers tend to want staff that are resourceful problem-solvers and critical thinkers. Understanding the company’s mission and strategy will help to educate you on what the company is about and if this is a place you see yourself being at long term. If this is a company you want to invest in, then seeing the big picture will allow you to better yourself while also bettering the company; it’s a win-win.
Starting your first day at a new job can be uncomfortable, no matter what your position will be. Being prepared can help to overcome any anxieties one might have. So how can you prepare yourself? Start off by learning EVERYTHING about the company. Have some basic knowledge about the industry and then do your research on everything you can about the company’s history, executives, competition, customers and team members. The rest you will learn throughout your time there, just make sure you listen and pay attention. Here are a few tips to always remember and especially on your first day.
1. Dress for success. Overdress to impress.
2. Eat breakfast before you go. You want to show up early and come to work ready to work.
3. Leave your personal life at the door. Do not bring it with you to work.
4. Listen to everything you are taught. Take notes and pay attention.
5. Do not bring up your old position or older practices, yet. Listen to their way and show you are acceptable to change and can adapt to their way of business.
6. Try. Even if you don’t know how to do something, before giving up at least try it a few times.
7. Ask questions if you don’t understand. After you ask the question once, remember it.
8. Introduce yourself. You are new and they understand. Come across as a friendly team player and you are more likely to get good advice and helpful tips.
Good luck on your first day. Remember, first impressions do count so be confident and personable and don’t forget, they hired you for a reason: they thought you were a perfect fit. Now it’s your job to be that employee and prove to them that you are exactly what they were looking for.