Career Advice ...
Depending where you are in your career, taking the next step will mean different things. You might be hoping for a promotion in your existing role, starting your own business or considering a complete career change.
Whatever stage you’re at, if you're wondering how to take the next step in your career, there are a number of steps you can take to help you make your next career move. These are outlined below.
1. Identify Your Career Goals
Before you can take the next step in your career, you need to work out what you want. Take some time to sit and think about your career goals and what you’d like to achieve on the way. You can also begin to think about the timeframe in which you’d like to reach your goals.
If you identify your career goals, you'll be in a place to decide whether you’ll be looking for a new role, or whether you will be making the most of the position you’re already in.
2. Work Out What You Need To Do
Once you know what you want from your career, it’s easier to identify what you need to do to take the next step. It may be that you need to speak to your existing employer, start job searching or upskill in order to take it to the next level.
Consider all your options and what is going to be the most effective way for you to progress. Once you understand this, you can begin moving forward in your career.
3. Speak To People That Inspire You
Speaking to successful people can be a great way to inspire you to take the next step. Whether it’s a family member, a friend or a mentor from work – it can be really beneficial to ask for their career advice.
They might be able to give you insights or ideas you hadn’t previously thought of, or introduce you to exciting new opportunities.
4. Training and Development
Investing in training or development courses is a great way to help you take the next step in your career. Gaining extra qualifications can make you more employable, or stand you in good stead for a promotion.
What’s more, learning new skills means you’ll be able to take on new responsibilities and do your job to a higher standard. This could be through online courses, or evening classes that you take in your spare time. Alternatively, your employer might be able to offer you training through the company. Think about which courses are going to be most beneficial to you. We've collated a list of free resources for upskilling that you can use to give leverage to your CV.
5. Start Networking
Networking is important, especially when you’re considering taing the next step in your career. If you’re starting a business or looking for a new role, networking for career growth could be the key to your success.
Use networking sites like LinkedIn to connect with like-minded professionals online. They may be able to help you when it comes to finding new opportunities. Attending industry events is also a great way to get to know people – particularly when you’re just starting out!
6. Work Harder Than Ever
If you’re ready to make your next career move, now is certainly not the time to slow down. In fact, this is the perfect time to ramp up your game and work harder than ever. And there are a number of reasons for this.
Firstly, if you’re hoping to progress in your current role, you’re going to have to prove you’re worth it! This means putting in the work and taking on additional responsibilities to show that you’re deserving of a promotion.
Secondly, if you’re planning on going freelance or starting your own business – this is by no means an easy step to make! You’ll be working independently, which means you’ll have to work extra hard to ensure it all goes smoothly.
Finally, if you’re planning on changing industries or roles it might seem strange to start slogging away in your current position. But being skilled, hardworking and equipped with glowing references is going to work in your favour when the time comes for getting a new job.
In Summary
Taking the next step in your career is exciting – even if you’re starting fresh in a whole new role or industry.
Setting yourself clear goals will help you understand what you need to do to progress. Continue to learn and network as you move through your career. This will help you to achieve your goals and take the next step up the career ladder!
CV-Library is the UK’s leading independent job board. For more expert advice on careers and the workplace, visit their Career Advice and Recruitment Insight pages.