TOP TIPS FOR DEVELOPING YOUR CAREER

Looking to take a step forward in your career? Whether it’s a new job title, more responsibility, career development, a pay rise or additional benefits, now is the ideal time to plan, making necessary amends and improvements to help reach your 2017 work goals.

Here are Osborne’s five tips on how to progress:

1. Be self-aware

Being self-aware in the work place gives the opportunity to objectively analyse your role within the company. Understanding your strengths and weaknesses will help you pin point areas in need of growth, and allow you to focus on them throughout you’re the year. Be open to and encourage constructive feedback from peers and management to help you become 100% self-aware. 

2. Manage your own expectations

Be realistic with your goals and time frame. While ‘blue-sky thinking’ is exciting and will help you feel charged and energetic about the year ahead, remember to be practical.

3. Develop a plan

Setting goals is not enough – a detailed plan on how you will achieve your goals is essential. A clear plan will allow you to review your strategy and introduce additional elements such as training as the year progresses.  For example, if you are applying for a team lead position, but lack management/supervisory experience, get involved in a project where you could gain useful skills in this area & get yourself on a relevant course to help you upskill. 

4. Meet with your employer

Arrange a suitable time to speak with your manager to make these new goals known. Prepare your development plan and speak knowledgably about it. Also, know and understand your predecessor’s job spec, so you can visualise what is needed to move forward.

5. Dress for the job you want

Dress for success! Dress for the job you want, not the one you’ve got. Be aware of how you present yourself in meetings, in the office and with other staff members.