Today we’re discussing career progression and giving you some of the best tips on achieving the success you deserve. We say ‘deserve’ as with all good things in life, effort is required as well as having an awareness of yourself, being skilful at seeking and making opportunities, and, of course, pushing yourself forward.
So, what does it take to progress your career in the direction you want it to go?
- Have a career plan
Know what you want. Whether that be an obvious progression from trainee, to executive, to manager, to director; it’s true that not everybody reaches or desires to reach the top level. Some people are happy to stay put at a certain level and that is fine. Others have desires to change direction slightly within the same sector or to gain experience in others areas (for example from sales to technical product management, or from marketing to sales). Many are content with making natural career progress at one company where they are happy, others wanting to make faster progress, and to gain more experience, may need to move.
A plan is always important so you know where you are heading on paper, this should include:
Timeline – job titles you want to have and for how long (example trainee for 18 months to 2 years, manager for 3-5 years, director etc). Have an idea of where you would like to be in the short-term (ie 1-3 years) medium (3-5 years) and long-term (5-10 years).
Areas of Specialism – do you want to stick to one area (ie sales or marketing) or move around to gain other experience. A broad spectrum of experience is often required for senior roles.
Training – what qualifications and sector-based training (gai qualifications) will you need? Consider in-house and external courses available.
2. Find a Mentor
Find a mentor either at work or somebody in the sector doing the job you want to do next. They can provide you with valuable job insight, look out for opportunities for you and give you moral support. This person could be a professional whom you admire who has valuable work experience, a high-achiever who is successful in their career.
3. Speak to a sector-based recruiter
Such as SFR Recruitment Solutions and make sure they get to know them, both professionally and on a personal level, so that you become memorable. Having a sector-based recruiter on your side, that is aware of your career path aspirations, is invaluable. They have knowledge of the available roles and all the contacts to be on the lookout for your next role.
4. Keep building relationships
Great relationships are the foundation of success. There is truth in the saying “it’s not what you know but who.” Relationships are crucial for both teamwork and career progression, making you more productive in your role, engaged at work, and happier. Build relationships with customers, suppliers, and other industry professionals. The more connections you have the more opportunities present themselves.
5. Look for opportunities
This could be taking on more at work to gain exposure (getting noticed for your effort and dependability) or gain new skills and experience of processes. When new opportunities arise, those that have shown that they are willing to go the extra mile are more likely to be considered for promotion.
6. Keep a record of your achievements
True professionals always keep their CV and LinkedIn profiles updated. It’s great to have a record of everything you’ve done, as otherwise you may forget, the record will come in handy during a job interview to refresh your mind of your achievements. It’s also good to check-in-with-yourself on the career progress you are making.
7. Pursue training and gain skills
Make sure you are on track with gaining your professional qualifications such as gai qualifications, or degree or whatever course is on your career plan. Seek out opportunities proactively at work to get involved and develop new skills, greater team and departmental exposure to build general experience.
8. Maintain personal integrity
It’s not all about taking on extra work and getting noticed, but also maintaining integrity. Not taking advantage of others, or being ruthless in your quest for promotion, blaming others for your mistakes or taking credit for others’ ideas or effort. Be helpful and supportive to others, show leadership skills to those more junior and learn to take and give constructive feedback; all of which demonstrate valuable management and leadership skills.
9. Be brave
Be brave enough to apply for that promotion and get out of your comfort zone! Speak to SFR Recruitment Solutions for advice on making your next career move. Don’t shy away from opportunities have the conversation!
If you need advice on achieving your next career move, get in-touch with Matthew, Jamie or Lorna at SFR Recruitment Solutions. We are dedicated to the hardware, ironmongery and access control sector and pride ourselves in listening, advising and looking out for your next perfect role.
