[September 21, 2019] Many people find that even though they are doing everything they can think of to be noticed and promoted at work, they cannot seem to make the transition to the next level. If you feel like you have reached a plateau in your career, there are several strategies you can use to raise your profile and increase your chances for advancement.
Education
Increasing your education level is always a solid strategy to improve your professional stature. Often times, there are professional certifications available that allow you to demonstrate your commitment to your career path. Whether you are trying to impress your current employer, or seeking a job with a different employer, a strong educational background is a great way to stand out from the crowd.
Networking
When you are looking for ways to advance your career, who you know can be just as important at what you know. Finding opportunities to network with others in your profession can provide you with valuable insight into what others have done to take the next step in their career and even provide you with information about upcoming opportunities that you may not have been aware of. Activities, like joining professional organizations and attending conferences, could provide wonderful opportunities to meet movers and shakers in your profession and make valuable connections that can be invaluable when you are looking for opportunities to move ahead in your career.
Grow Where You are Planted
Being reliable in your current role is always important when you are looking for an opportunity to be promoted. In addition to that, there are always other things you can do to stand out from the crowd and demonstrate your worth to your current employer. Look for opportunities to highlight your abilities in your current role. Suggest and implement changes in the areas that you are responsible for. Offer assistance to superiors or other co-workers. Take charge of a special project or event.
Get Outside Help
Sometimes you are doing all the right things, and still find yourself stuck in a role that does not take full advantage of your abilities. In these situations, it can be invaluable to seek outside assistance to help you identify opportunities that can be difficult to find on your own.
Executive recruiters can be a great resource for well-qualified candidates who are seeking assistance to take their career to the next level. A recruiter can help you pair your unique skill set with organizations looking for what you have to offer.
Thank you for a worthy article as a Guest Blogger, Ms. Schmidt. BTW, I also like to listen to TED talks. Keep up the good work and never be discouraged in your writing.
I’m glad to hear it Georgie!
If we want to see a current, real world example of a politician getting ‘stuck’ then look no further than the embarrassing episode of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Gen. Satterfield has linked to two (of many) articles in his Daily Favorites. I recommend reading a few to see how some believe he can get away from his immature past behavior.
https://www.theleadermaker.com/daily-favorites-new/
Lots of ways to get unstuck. I think taking advantage of your networks is probably the best overall solution. But that assumes you have created and maintained a well-developed network of responsible, hard-working, intelligent folks.
I agree with you Ronny that “networking” is the best overall solution. Looks like a good topic that Ms. Schmidt has given us to discuss today. We’ve all been there. It’s frustratingly difficult to get unstuck. Thanks for a wonderful article Ms. Schmidt.
I agree. Taline has really done us a service by this article.
Yep, sometimes you have done all the ‘right’ things and are still stuck. This means, to me, that you have NOT done all the right things; if you believe that the definition of ‘right’ is all that is moral. There is always a solution and I would bet someone else has already thought of it. Good article.
Hi Taline, well done! Keep up your writing, it was enjoyable. ?
Yes, enjoyable and educational.
Thank you both very much!