In today’s challenging job market, influenced by AI and widespread layoffs, pursuing career growth opportunities is more important than ever to help you progress from your current position to your desired one. Whether your career goals involve securing a raise or promotion, enhancing your skills, transitioning to a new field, or expanding your professional network, here is some career advice to help you achieve successful career development.
1. Map out your career goals.
The first step is to be intentional about where you want to go – both from a company perspective and job title perspective. Then create a career path action plan on how you can make that career advancement happen. The more you network with people both inside and outside your company, the more clarity you’ll get. Move out of your comfort zone to network with someone whose area or company you’re interested in.
2. Share your career progression by being your own brand ambassador.
Reflect on your strengths, skill set, experiences and accomplishments – both paid and unpaid. Write about yourself and your work on your LinkedIn profile, resume, and other professional spaces. Sandra Abdelmaseih, senior university relations recruiter, encourages, “Why not celebrate yourself? Recruiters notice candidates like that.”
3. Optimize your LinkedIn.
Update your professional profile with your latest achievements, soft skills, and technical skills that recruiters can then use to find you. Be active on your social media feeds by publishing your own content. Gabby Woody, university talent attraction manager, says, “I always note candidates who are sharing their work on LinkedIn. Whether that’s your side project, something you achieved at work, your portfolio – put that in the newsfeed.”
4. Explore AI tools like Gemini, Perplexity, and ChatGPT to improve your resume.
Try utilizing AI tools as resume builders and writing assistants for tasks like improving your resume, updating your LinkedIn, etc. AI tools can greatly simplify the process by offering templates, suggestions, and edits tailored to specific job roles. However, it’s important to remember that while these tools are incredibly helpful, the final touch should always be a careful manual review. Taking the time to edit and personalize your application ensures that your unique skills and experiences are highlighted, ultimately resulting in the most effective presentation of your qualifications. Patricia Uche-Chiemeka, a seasoned senior recruiter, emphasizes the importance of customization: “Don’t just have one resume fit all positions. You want to tailor your resume for each position you apply to.”
5. Have your mentor help with your career advancement.
Whether you’re in college or years into your career, mentorship can play a key role in your professional growth. A mentor can help you set career goals, develop new skills, expand your network, and even advocate for promotions. Making the right connections—through career services, networking events, or workshops—can lead you to a long-term mentor who supports your success.
As Charles Martin, a talent acquisition manager, explains: “Who’s talking about you when you leave the room? Who’s a promoter of your work, your skills, your abilities? If there’s nobody talking about you, then you need to realize who those people are and get in front of them.”
6. Recently laid off? See it as a career advancement opportunity.
While layoffs can be surprising or painful, they can be used as a springboard to find a better opportunity. While dealing with this new challenge, utilize online crowdsourced lists where job seekers can add their names following a lay-off.“Recruiters are constantly going through those lists for roles, and don’t look or think twice about you being laid off,” says Woody.
7. Grow with apprenticeships, bootcamps, online certificates, or training courses.
Many organizations offer professional growth programs to support career advancement. These programs can take various forms, such as apprenticeships and returnships, designed to support specific groups. Websites such as Coursera, LinkedIn offer online certificates, offer webinars, and much more.
8. Get feedback to grow your career.
Ask current or previous colleagues, peers, mentors, and managers for documented feedback when you complete an important project. Don’t wait for the formal performance review process.
For any feedback or compliments you receive, don’t let them get buried in your inbox. Create a separate folder to organize all related information. Also remember, getting feedback should inspire action on your part. If someone is taking the time to tell you how to get better, it’s up to you to take those steps.
To enhance your LinkedIn profile, you can also ask for people to write a LinkedIn recommendation for you or endorse your skills. Be sure to return the favor and make this a regular practice for yourself.
9. Network with recruiters.
If you apply for a job, you can use LinkedIn to find and message recruiters. Add them into your network and comment on their posts with relevant insights. Abdelmaseih says, “I personally find that if I notice someone who’s actively engaging with me, I’ll usually remember their name and start to follow up.” If you don’t make it past the interview, ask your recruiter for specific feedback.
10. “No” is just an acronym for “next opportunity.”
Remember this the next time you don’t hear yes. “When you hear these no’s all the time, it can get very frustrating. But you have to take it as an acronym, not an actual word,” Martin recommends. Use this as a chance to make one final positive impression. Saying thank you, asking for feedback, or reiterating your interest in the company puts you in a good position for any potential openings in the future.
Regardless of where you are in your career, you can look for career opportunities! Intuit is committed to creating an environment where employees are empowered with tools, resources, and career advancement opportunities to learn and grow.
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