How to Get Ahead in Your Career.

On Friday, we asked our followers which factors would be the most influential and encourage a move to a new company. Career progression was voted the most important factor, with?40% of respondents saying it would be a key motivator?if they were going to make a move.

Despite being a top priority for many people, often workplaces don't provide a clear avenue for development, causing dissatisfaction and resignations. However, retaining talent matters to both employers and employees. For employers, it's much more efficient to keep employees long term. From an employee perspective, a lengthier tenure can show stability and commitment. Knowing that career progression is at the front of mind, we need to know how to make it a reality.

Firstly, we mustn't assume that career progression looks the same to everyone. Positive career progression is about achieving success and fulfilment in the workplace. Often, this is associated with vertical movement (taking on a more senior position with increased responsibility). Yet, genuine career progression involves any transition that supports your personal and professional growth. A horizontal move can be just as valuable. Taking on a new role at the same level allows you to take on different responsibilities or develop new skills. By broadening your skillset, horizontal career progression often gives you an edge in the long term.?

Having conversations to outline where your priorities lie is crucial. It's frustrating if you aren't using your skill set to its capacity or if you've gone unnoticed when promotions have become available.

If you're considering moving on, speak to your employer before you make a move. Sometimes all it takes to overcome a roadblock is honesty. Communicate what you enjoy about your role and why you like the company, but let them know where your frustrations lie. Your employer may help outline steps you can take to develop your career. However, if you have this conversation and still feel there's little potential for growth in your current role, you've likely outgrown it and should look at moving on.

If making a move is the right option for you, finding a company that genuinely offers career progression can be difficult. When interviewing at new companies, ask what structure is in place to support employee development and ensure your ambitions align with their framework.?

There are a few steps you can take to make sure you are maximising your chances of progression. By adapting your behaviour you can be sure that you are moving in the right direction.

1. Have a plan and set goals and targets. Research the path to career progression to understand the steps you realistically must take. Being informed allows you to make the right decisions at the right time and keep you on track.?
2. Seek advice from others. Talking to a mentor, a recruiter, or someone more senior can help you better understand the steps you need to take to progress.
3. Keep learning. The half-life of skills is decreasing, making developing new skills more valuable than ever. You could use short courses, formal education or webinars to enrich your knowledge. Taking on new tasks at work will also help develop your skillset by challenging you.
4. Focus on your personal development. Being approachable and dependable will can make you a valuable asset. Importantly, be accountable. Embracing your mistakes is part of the learning process. Reflecting on and accepting your mistakes will help you avoid repeating the same error.
5. Network with others in your industry. Building professional relationships can help increase your visibility and social capital, giving you access to valuable information and resources through your relationships.

There isn't one path to career progression. Firstly, think about how you define progression. Once you know what you want to achieve, you'll be able to outline clear and measurable steps to help you reach your goals.

Our consultants can advise you on the steps you can take to maximise your success. If you are looking for a new role, get in touch with the team today and have a chat about your next career move.