You need more than just performing your job to stay current and advance in your career. Whether aiming for a raise or a new job, being proactive in your career growth is vital.
The time when you could count on your firm to take care of your career growth is long past. Now is the time to take control of your career growth.
You can start by learning the proper skills to pass the talent acquisition AI test the firm uses for recruitment. For example, communication or tech skills. But if you still need clarification about developing these skills, you don’t need to worry anymore.
In this article, you’ll find the complete guide on developing skills for your career growth. So keep reading.
What Is Career Advancement?
You can climb the career ladder within the same field by gaining skills and perhaps finishing extra training. As a result, the upward evolution of a person’s career is popularly known as career advancement.
One way to advance is to switch from a role of entry-level work to an executive one within the same sector or a different field. However, the extra skill you intend to gain must be able to pass the talent acquisition recruiting process of the firm.
The extra skill you should gain can include both soft and hard skills. Examples of hard skills are research, coding, content writing, and so on. Examples of soft skills are communication, teamwork, and so on.
How to Develop Skills for Career Advancement
There are various ways to increase your skill set or enhance your existing skills for a greater chance at promotions.
It can also increase your chances if you want a job in a field that demands different skills than those you possess.
Below are the various ways you can develop a skill for career growth.
Explore Mentorship to Advance in Your Career
Most people have attested that mentors had a hand in it where they are today. A study shows that 76% of people think mentors are vital, yet only 37% try to get one.
One fact in life is that there is always someone else who has mastered whatever it is you wish to master. And you will agree that if you are also at that level, you will want to divulge your success secrets.
Know that making errors and overcoming obstacles are vital to succeeding in anything. But with a mentor by your side, you can limit these setbacks.
Prospects are always high due to having connections in the right places. You can get these connections by meeting new people. You can find a mentor through this process or in your present area of work.
However, ensure the mentor you choose has the desired outcomes before choosing them. The reason is that some of them may fail to succeed in their role even if they hold the kind of role you want. That is why building relationships is vital. With a good relationship, you may get to know someone before making a decision.
Finally, don’t be afraid to say it. All you need to do is to ask them. And when you do, you’ll find out that they consider it an honor.
Make it a Goal to Advance Your Career
When aiming to achieve a goal, it is always a great idea to begin with, the end of that goal in mind. However, it’s no news that starting with this can be tricky, especially if you are unsure.
However, if you take the time to study this front, it will help you make the proper choice. As a result, you can select the ideal employer and tasks for you.
Most times, as you grow, the goals you want to achieve career-wise may change. On that note, you should review your career goals often. The review will help to determine if what you wanted still aligns with your current career path.
Most talent recruiters tend to ask you questions like what you intend to do in the next few years. They ask this question because it tells them if the person they are about to employ is goal oriented.
As uneasy as this question may be, it also benefits you. If you can answer it, it shows that you can make good decisions about things. So if you still need to make a goal to advance your career, start doing so.
Increase Your Skills and Expertise to Advance Your Career
Another thing you can do is to increase your skills and expertise. A vital fact to know is that there is a weakness for every strength. And to improve your prospects, you must work on those weaknesses.
On that note, know that with advancement comes learning. It means acquiring new skills if you want to grow in your career. Also, try to improve in areas where you are not as skilled.
Below are some skills you can acquire:
Creative Thinking: In today’s global economy, creativity is key. Ideas that will make a business stand out from the crowd and attract clients can result from creative thinking.
Most employers now use it as a vital skill, and a job seeker should have to get considered for the job.
Leadership: Developing your leadership skills is vital for career growth. As a leader, one should be able to educate, drive and inspire others.
For example, a team with a good leader will work together and achieve great success. And teamwork is what every firm wants from their staff.
Coding: As firms become more digital, they require workers with coding and design expertise. Coding entails giving a machine a task to complete in line with your clear instructions.
Hence, those with coding talents may have a better chance of finding more job prospects and earning more money.
Another way to gain a new talent is by volunteering. Yes, it gives you more work, but more knowledge comes. So whenever you see a chance for volunteer work, please take it, even if it is outside your safe zone.
Find Out What You Love and Enjoy
You’ll feel happier the more you love and enjoy your job. As a result, you’ll be more productive, increasing your chances for career growth.
Most people tend to work in certain positions that they don’t love or enjoy. They did so because that was the only job they could get. As such, they end up not being productive.
Hence, find out what makes you happy, aligns with your career, and do it.
Bottom Line
Developing skills for career advancement requires time, effort, and focus. Therefore, it is vital to assess your skills and expertise, find what you love and enjoy, and set realistic goals.
Once you have identified your goals, you can begin taking steps to increase your skills and expertise. Yes, it will take time to develop your skills fully, but the rewards will be worth the investment.
