You go to work as you have a thousand times before. You sit down at your desk at the start of yet another workday. But wait... what's that awful noise coming from your cube? It's the sound of your career gasping for breath! Quick! Save it before it goes completely under!
Signs Your Career Is Not Going Well
Are you:
Signs Your Career Is Not Going Well
Are you:
Consistently passed over for promotions?
Not invited to key meetings?
Unhappy with minuscule or non-existent salary increases?
If you see yourself in any of these scenarios, then it's time to perform career CPR and breathe new life into your flagging employment situation. Two remedies for an ailing career include seeking out new opportunities with your current employer or getting a new job elsewhere.
Don't Shelve That Résumé or Close the Book On Your Contacts
According to Ron Krannich, author and publisher of several career advice books, including his latest, Job Hunting for People with Hot and Not-So-Hot Backgrounds, a clean résumé and a fresh network of contacts are key to both landing a great new job, as well as maintaining a challenging and growing career. That means you can't let your résumé expire or your networks deteriorate. "You must make a lifelong commitment to ongoing career development. People tend to get lazy once they get a job," Krannich says. He notes the very same tactics you use to land a job should also be enacted to foster continued career development and growth. Krannich suggests you consistently:
Track your accomplishments
Maintain a regular inventory of your skills
Keep your résumé up-to-date
Keep your contacts fresh
Consider These Options To Revive Your Career: Like your company, but not your job?
Seek out opportunities within. Start to network internally and find out what positions are available and who you need to know. Note any skills that may be necessary and include them in an updated résumé to give to the appropriate department head or HR staff member.
Like your job, but not your salary?
Negotiate your salary at your next review. Think of your review as an internal interview. Have an updated résumé on hand with all of your recent accomplishments listed to illustrate why your company should show you the money. As Krannich notes, demonstrating ongoing career development is key to salary negotiations. If you want your salary to grow, you must show that you've grown. And nothing illustrates the positive growth and direction of your career better than your résumé.
Think there is no hope for you at this company?
Launch a full-fledged job search, starting with an updated résumé. Utilize online job sites, search company Web sites for openings and make calls to your list of business, industry and social contacts. Before you know it, your career will be back on its feet.
