- Reflect on your goals. …
- Know your unique skills. …
- Participate in informational interviews. …
- Establish a personal brand. …
- Think creatively. …
- Describe your perfect day. …
- Consider the short-term. …
- Take practical steps.
December 18, 2021There is no better time than the end of a turbulent year to consider your professional history and whether the course you are currently on is the right one. These insights can assist you in understanding what’s coming up in your journey, whether you’re eager to change jobs, advance in your current position, or take a career break.
How To Choose Your Next Career Move
11 ways to prepare for the next step in your career
Use these techniques to effectively prepare as you think about your next career move:
Reflect on your goals
Thinking about your goals for the near and long term is the best way to determine your next career move. Think about the kind of life you want to lead in the next five, ten, and fifteen years, both personally and professionally. Consider the changes you’ll need to make in your career to build the life you want for yourself.
Know your unique skills
You must persuade the hiring manager that you are the best candidate for the position, whether your next career step is a promotion within your current company or a new role with a different business. Understanding your special skills can help you secure the job offer you desire.
Participate in informational interviews
Consider conducting some informational interviews with professionals who hold the positions you are interested in if your next career move entails a change in industry or position. You will get to experience what it’s like to do the job’s duties, expand your professional network, and decide whether this is the best career move for you.
Establish a personal brand
Work on creating a professional, cohesive personal brand that emphasizes your specialized abilities and achievements. Consider writing online articles, enhancing your professional presence on social media sites geared toward careers, and taking other steps to increase your credibility and visibility in the market.
Think creatively
Your long-term objectives might not neatly line up with where you are now. Consider different approaches to get from where you are to where you want to be. Discuss your career goals with people who are already in the field or who hold the position you are interested in. Consider starting your own company. Look into earning a relevant degree.
Describe your perfect day
If you’re not sure where to begin when considering your next career move, start by outlining your ideal day. Consider the things that make you the happiest and the kinds of work you enjoy doing. You’ll start to notice trends, and you can use that knowledge to find a job that fits your requirements.
Consider the short-term
Making an action plan for the next 10 or 20 years is admirable but frequently ineffective. Instead, make a list of the long-term objectives you’d like to accomplish over the next few decades while concentrating only on short-term objectives. After completing those tasks, you can evaluate your progress and decide what to do next.
Take practical steps
Once you’ve decided what you want to do, start putting your plan into action. These can be small commitments, such as reading professional development books in your spare time, or bigger ones, such as returning to school to earn an advanced degree.
Schedule time for planning
Regularly assess your career trajectory. Most people find that taking a day once a year to reflect and plan is enough to help them make the best career decisions and meet the benchmarks and deadlines required for long-term success.
Maintain a list
Keep a running list of your professional achievements as you gain recognition for them and do so. When the time comes to formally apply for a new job or engage in wage negotiations, you can refer to it. Regularly adding to the list aids in recalling all of your accomplishments.
Attend professional development
Make professional development a regular part of your life. Determine which professional skills you can develop for both you and your business, then enroll in courses or conferences that will help you do that. Maintaining a professional development plan can help you be well-prepared for the next step in your career.
Why it’s important to plan your next career step
It’s crucial to periodically take the time to reflect on your current position and your potential for advancement. Numerous beneficial effects of career planning on your professional and personal lives include:
Tips for effective career development
Use the following advice to make sure you are successfully pursuing a long-term career that is satisfying:
FAQ
How do I know my next step in career?
- How happy am I? How much of your work has meaning and purpose for you?
- How am I learning and growing? …
- Am I headed in the right direction? …
- What seeds do I need to plant now? …
- What relationships do I need to build?
What is future career path?
To achieve your short- and long-term career goals, a career path generally involves a linear succession of jobs. Often this path may also include continuing or advanced education. Although many businesses provide a framework for a career path, there are definite benefits to being deliberate when making your own plan.
