6 Surefire Ways
to Manage a Successful Career
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Managing a successful career is probably one of the most challenging aspects an employee will undertake in his/her lifetime. Even though it is one of the most single important tasks faced, it is probably an area where too little time is spent managing the outcome. Most would agree that leaving fate to manage your career is just not an effective management tool. Gleaned from countless executive interviews, here are six surefire ways to a successful and well-managed career. Step 1: Define what is important to you in a successful career. It may seem like Career Management 101 but to be honest, have you answered this question? If so, how recently? To be sure, successful careers start with a clear definition. This includes an understanding of what is it that you want from a career and what are you willing to give. Step 2: Establish your “Brand” or “Value Proposition.” Can you clearly define what separates you from the next candidate? What are your successes? What value do you bring to the employment market? If not, you are missing a significant element in how you manage your career. Your brand is your value proposition to the employer and/or the market. It is your price tag and what income level that defines your success. Brand includes your key attributes, specific set of accomplishments and what differentiates you from the pack. Step 3: Ensure your skills are current and competitive. What you knew five years ago is less marketable than what you are doing today. Be sure to note everything from leadership skills to technologies deployed to processes used in operating the call center. How are you making yourself current, up-to-date and competitive? Continuing certification, education or other real life experience in your job matters. Documentation matters too, especially if you are in an active job search or even if you are looking to receive a pay increase at your current job. Step 4: Get noticed within a crowded job market. It is key that your resume is well written and tells your story. You have only 30 seconds to make an impression with your resume. Be sure to outline for your new employer what you can do for them and how you are going to affect their profitability. State immediately what your most significant accomplishments are. Define your “value proposition.” Show numeric quantified data (i.e. increased efficiency by %, reduced turnover by %, and enhanced client satisfaction by 5%). Be specific, and make sure you have someone else check it for grammar, punctuation, etc. Remember: Don’t just send your resume to a job posting that interests you. Instead make a phone call to the hiring manager and introduce yourself This will show your initiative, aggressiveness and creativity. Almost everyone else is submitting a resume only through the standard job posting. If you have a known referral or reference point in the organization, use the name, always.
Step 6: Progress your Career. There’s a reason successful people are successful – they monitor their career to leverage their career progression. Think about the following and you’ll be successful too:
Taking adequate time to manage your career will be a positive step toward gaining increased earnings. When in an active job search, be sure to utilize all resources and techniques available to you. A passive search will not work in a competitive job market. And finally, always remember to follow-up and send thank you notes. Author: Chad McDaniel |