10 Tips to Manage Your Career instead of Just Doing Your Job
It’s no surprise that people who are in career transition focus a lot of their time and energy on updating their resume, networking, brushing-up their interviewing skills, compiling accomplishment stories, etc. They know they need to be prepared; to “be at the top of their game” if they hope to land another good position.
Reality. But what about those of us who are currently working — in jobs that may even seem quite stable? If you’re like most people, the activities mentioned above get little or no attention — that is, until you get laid- off, fired, or simply become unhappy enough to make a proactive change.
It’s human nature to become “career complacent” when you have steady work, focusing all your energy on “doing a good job!” But in today’s work world, this approach just “won’t cut it.” Not any more. The workplace is too unpredictable and jobs are too readily changed or eliminated.
What does this mean for you? It means that you should consider adopting a different approach, which we call “Perpetual Career Management.” Instead of being focused completely on your job performance, you should focus on managing your career — at all times, regardless of your work circumstances! (And, of course, part of managing your career properly is doing a great job in whatever position you currently hold!)
Mindset. Think of your job as a subset, or as one component of your entire career. In practical terms, “Perpetual Career Management” means engaging continually in a host of activities that you thought were necessary only for job seekers. Why should you maintain these activities? So you’ll always be prepared, no matter what develops at your company. This way, if something happens to your job, you won’t be caught “flat footed.” Instead of feeling devastated, stuck or powerless, you’ll always have career choices and a sense of control.
Here’s how to avoid this common mistake:
To become a “Perpetual Career Manager,” there are 10 things you should always be doing — regardless of your employment situation:
- 1. Keep all your career documents up to date — résumé, reference list, letters of recommendation, accomplishment stories, etc. By keeping these documents current, you will be ready to leverage them at any point of transition (employment reviews, promotions, job changes), whether these events are planned or unplanned!
- 2. Put time aside every week for active networking to maintain established relationships and develop new ones — both inside and outside the company where you work. You should always be positioned to call upon your professional and personal contacts when the need arises.
- 3. Join and take leadership roles in appropriate associations and trade organizations. This will boost your visibility and enhance your credibility in your industry.
- 4. Write articles or do presentations focused on your area of expertise in any venue — clubs, conferences, publications, etc. This type of exposure demonstrates your level of “trade skill” and expertise — and people will take notice!
- 5. Continue your career education and maintain your industry credentials through seminars, academic classes, lectures, professional events, conferences, new certifications/degrees and the like. No one wants to hire someone whose base of knowledge isn’t current.
- 6. Research and be aware of the competition — whether it be information about other companies or other professionals in your industry. Always know who they are and what they’re doing. Endeavor to “know the competition better than they know themselves!”
- 7. Offer to help people in your network even though they may not be in a position to “help you back” at this time. These people will remember your good will — and as they say, “what goes around comes around.” So, go the extra mile!
- 8. Look at other job openings and investigate other opportunities even if you’re not job-hunting at this time. This will help you to know the market, gauge various aspects of your current position, and stay “plugged-in.”
- 9. Always ask yourself, “how can I contribute more?” Doing a good job isn’t good enough. The people who move up in the organization and get the best assignments are those who clearly demonstrate their value to the organization in measurable ways — every day, every week, every month.
- 10, Practice your interviewing, negotiating and related skills on a regular basis. Don’t wait until a career crisis arises to polish your job-seeking skills. You never know what’s going to happen. While you can hope for the best at work, you should always be prepared for the worst.
Some people find it difficult to maintain these activities over the long term, and this is understandable. For those individuals, we suggest finding a support mechanism or a system for accountability!
There are several practical options, including career transition/networking groups, career development programs at universities, online career resources — and, of course, qualified Career Consultants.
Remember: Never be complacent with your career, and don’t ever assume you’re “100% safe” in your job. The only real security is in developing and maintaining your knowledge and competitiveness in the marketplace. By committing yourself to the “Perpetual Career Management” strategies outlined above, and implementing these behaviors in a consistent manner, you will always be in top career form and have plenty of professional options!
How about You? If you engage in these steps will you have a better grasp on managing your career? I look forward to your thoughts and comments below.
