Step Up

Boden

Even if you love your job, it’s never too early to plan a move up the career ladder and winter is the ideal time to take stock and plot your future course.

Are you sitting comfortably? Then we’ll begin…

Update your CV

Even if you’re not looking to change jobs right now, it’s good to be prepared should a promotion or departmental move come up in your existing company. Limit your CV to just 2 pages (what employer has the time or inclination to read more), describing your previous roles, skills and career goals. Remember to remove all acronyms and jargon.

Research your industry

Whether it’s keeping up to date with new business developments and technology, or attending relevant training and conferences, staying on top of your industry is crucial if you want to climb the corporate ladder.

Research yourself

Did you know that many employers will now check out your social network sites during the recruitment process? Ensure your LinkedIn profile is up to date and that your Facebook page doesn’t contain any content that you wouldn’t be comfortable with your new boss seeing.

Hone your communication skills

Being able to speak clearly and concisely is invaluable in business. Whether you’re speaking to your director, colleagues or clients, projecting your ideas effectively will inspire confidence and allow them to put their trust in you.

Network, network, network

There are lots of generalist and industry specific groups you can join or simply invite a colleague or client out for coffee. Remember that building relationships can take time and effort, so even if you don’t make a connection straight away, it’s still one more person you can reach out to in the future.

Feel confident

If you’ve ever procrastinated over applying for a job, or passed on a promotion because you’re “not ready”, this could be a sign that you’re sabotaging your own career. It’s completely normal to be a bit nervous about change, but go on, feel the fear and do it anyway!

Take a break

Travel offers the opportunity for personal growth and development. From learning a new language, to expanding your network and improving your cultural awareness. It may even open a few unexpected doors once back in the corporate world. Remember to check out the latest on ‘travel corridors’ before you book.

Work somewhere else…

just temporarily. Volunteering not only benefits the organisation you volunteer for, but also you too. It’s a fantastic way to expand your personal and professional networks, learn new and transferable skills, explore other careers, plus help your CV stand out against others in a recruitment scenario.

Plot your course

How can you expect to reach your career goals if you don’t have a clear strategy in place? Take time out to make a plan of where you want to be in 3 or 5 years, and the steps you’ll need to take to get there. Think of it as a Sat Nav for your career until you reach your destination.