Spring Your Career Into Action
Spring is here and there is no better time to reassess where you are in your career and what you can do to transition into your next opportunity. You may be at your job for some time and wondering when you will make the next career transition. In today's environment managers are looking for people who take action rather than waiting for the tap on the shoulder. Here are some tips to clean up your career strategy and spring into action.
Assess Your Skills and Competencies
If you are looking for opportunities inside your firm prepare for your next move. Look at the job description requirements to determine what are the skills, experience and competencies that are required. Assess your gaps and fill them where needed. Organize your resume so that your current experience reflects how you would be the ideal fit for the new job. Make sure that you discuss transferrable achievements in your resume such as "Developed a new sales program to over 1000 customers that netted $5,000 in increased revenues."
Build Your Internal Brand
Do you have a brand? Personal brands are increasingly important especially in the workplace. Start by deciding what you want your brand to be and who the people are who have brands that you admire. Second, ask people for feedback on their perception of your brand. Are you viewed as a leader, a thinker, a team player, a star salesperson? Your actions will speak your brand. Are you dressing and speaking the part? Every interaction with someone at work effects the perception of how people view your brand and thus your capabilities. (Women Lead)
Raise Your Hand
Raise your hand for high visibility projects and assignments. This can be a key way to expand your visibility to groups and leaders who may not know you. Follow through on the project/ initiative so that people can see you in action and how you work in real time. Measure your results and share them with influential people. For example, "I joined this task force and because of my key contributions in subject matter and project management skills we achieved a product launch thirty days sooner than expected." (Gary Daugenti from, Gent & Associates, a leading recruting firm)
Take a Risk
Many times we are settled in our positions and don't want to take a risk. However many leaders note that risk taking is a key differentiator to get ahead. For example, step out of the traditional functional area and explore joining a strategic task force that is working a new project that has high visibility but also may be a risky venture. If the project is a success you will be noticed as someone who is not afraid to try new things and see them through. (Women Lead)
Look for Power Positions
Seek out influential roles in your firm. Many times it is a role that has direct influence on the bottom line. Are there powerful positions in sales, engineering, product marketing? Set your sight on positioning for one of these high visibility roles or line jobs. (Women Lead)
Now is the time to rethink and assess your career, where you are now and how you can use your skills as a spring board for your next internal move.
Dr. Tracey Wilen-Daugenti is a leading thought leader on women, the workplace, and careers. She is a visiting scholar at Stanford University Media X program. Tracey@traceywilen.com. www.traceywilen.com