How Can You Make Your Career Work for You?

Posted on March 12, 2007 by

10 Tips for Working Your Way Up

When it comes to the working world, there are myths and there are realities.  Attaining a promotion by simply showing up on time and doing your job proficiently is the stuff folklore is made of.  These days employees have to really prove their worth to gain advancement as many employers are asking employees to do more with fewer resources, find hidden efficiencies and keep operating costs low. 

CEO of Snelling Staffing Services, Peter Harris has compiled the following tips specifically to help employees make the most of the career opportunities that present themselves each day: 

1.  Keep up with industry trends and technology

Employers are all looking for top-caliber performers that possess very specific skills and know-how.  In order to prove that you’re the right fit for that management position you’ve been eyeing, you have to stay up on industry trends and the latest technologies being utilized in your field.  The easiest way to “wow” your boss is to demonstrate the extent and timeliness of your acumen and expertise.

2.  Stay marketable

Attend classes and seminars, especially if the company is willing to pay for the entry fees.  Also, volunteer for projects that will enhance your abilities—being involved shows initiative, an attribute your boss will respect.  And, always keep an up-to-date résumé on hand—you never know when a promotion will be opened up for applicants. 

3.  Be proactive

Sometimes, it’s just about sitting down with your supervisor and asking, “What do I have to do to be on track towards a promotion?”  Request specific feedback if there are areas in which your employer would like for you to improve, and chart a timeline with specific productivity and/or quality goals. 

4.  Adopt a mentor

One of the best things you can to do to develop your own career is to learn more about the career of a superior or someone in leadership.  Choose a person in your office or a peer within a trade association whom you respect and ask him or her to sit down with you on a regular basis to discuss your career and provide counsel.  Finding a great mentor can boost your confidence; provide valuable insight; and help you set attainable goals.

5.  Avoid the office rumor mill

When you see Gossipy Gail and Loose-Lips Louie at the water cooler, pass them by—you can come back for water later!  Nothing will hurt your credibility more than perpetuating negative or sensitive office buzz.

6.  Cultivate a relationship with your supervisor

Especially in the staffing services’ world, we encourage our candidates seeking full-time employment to get to know the supervisor at their assignment better.  If a supervisor likes you, is impressed by your work ethic and skill set, a temporary assignment could very easily turn into a more permanent position.

7.  Read up

Stay up on the latest movers and shakers in your industry and pick up reading materials that will make you think like a leader:

• Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap…And Others Don’t by Jim Collins
• First, Break All the Rules: What the World’s Greatest Managers Do Differently by Marcus Buckingham and Curt Coffman
• Winning by Jack Welch and Suzy Welch

8.  Dress the position

If you want that new gig, then dress like you already have it.  Granted, don’t go into debt for a designer suit or pair of shoes, but take a little time to make yourself dress in the style you would if you were working in the position above your own.

9.  Join and volunteer in industry associations/organizations

Nothing can make an employee more visible than joining industry associations, especially if you haven’t gotten your foot in the door yet.  Meetings, mixers and events provide priceless networking opportunities and can expose you to key players and industry leaders.

10.  Don’t be afraid to change careersIf you’re not happy (or at least satisfied) with your career, then maybe it’s time to think about taking a break to regroup and determine what career would rejuvenate your passion and get you excited about each workday.

It’s easy to get caught up and let another year slip by, but there are things you can do to breathe new life into your career.  By pairing even just a few of these suggestions with a positive attitude and accountability, you’ll be able to become a standout among your peers. 

Peter H. Harris is the CEO of Snelling Staffing Services.  Now headquartered in Dallas, Texas, Snelling was founded in Philadelphia in 1951.  Snelling has more than 200 offices across the U.S. 

About Snelling Staffing Services

Snelling delivers temporary, career and professional staffing solutions to companies in every region of the country.  After more than 50 years of innovation, Snelling knows how to connect people and businesses.  We focus on helping clients to achieve priority driven results.  With true consultative sales and ongoing quality reviews, we make sure we maintain alignment with your objectives to deliver the most productive solution in an ever-changing environment.  Snelling delivers results with staffing expertise that connects people and businesses with the power to thrive!