Have you got a career plan?

Some 60% of professional people have told us that they would consider moving jobs for career progression. Making that  move the right one requires careful consideration, so we’ve produced a ten step guide of things to consider along the way.

See your career as a journey

Have a clear idea of where it is you want to get to.  Without this clarity of purpose, it is all too easy to get blown off course and end up somewhere completely different! Work out some milestones – these might be skills based, salary based or responsibility based. Just make sure they aren’t job titles.   Keep an open mind on the precise route you take and accept that there may well be several routes to get there. It’s all about building on your skills and experiences along the way that will be valued by employers.

Identify what motivates you

Work feels less like work when you enjoy it, so make sure you choose well. Find out what interests you; does it suit your lifestyle? Are you able to do things that you are naturally good at as well as challenging yourself with new things too? What topics are you passionate about? The more you get these things right, the less likely you are to fall out of love with your job.

Identify which competencies are needed to progress

Once you’ve established what interstes and motivatesd you, the next step is to get your skills and competencies to match your chosen path. Identify the qualities required to succeed in your chosen career at the next level. Then, be honest with yourself: are you good at these already or does your focus need to be on improving or acquiring these capabilities?

Qualifications vs experience

Some roles do require specific qualfications, but whilest emplolyers are attractedto well-qualified people, they are even more attracet to those who demonstrate a commitment to being experts in their field. A qualifiaction may get your foot inthe door but it isn’t your guaranteer of a bright career. Nothing beats your hands on experience and track record.

Did it happen for them?

At interview, promises are made but you’ll want them to be rooted in reality. Ask for real life examples of how and where they’ve supported employees to reach career milestones.  Use this to weigh up the liklihood of supporting your longer term aspirations. After all, you’ll be wanting to agree a clear development plan  with your new boss…

Put your plan in context

Market conditions will always have an impact on how quickly and to what extent you fulfil your ambitions. Whilst your clear focus nd drive is imnportnat, you do need a healthyu dose of realism too. Remain flexible and open-minded, and remind yourself of the many routes to your destination.

Consider all options

With your end goal in sight – keep your options open all the time. Keep abreast of what opportunities exist within your organisation and outside it. Far from making you into  a job- hopper,  our research shows that having a healthy awareness of your options actually stops you feeling trapped and therefore gives a greater sense of security.

How mobile do you need to be?

Your career goals may require you to gain experience in different markets domestically and worldwide and international exposure is certainly becoming more desirable. Investigate your options and make sure your commitments fit in with your lifestyle. Is it a relocation you are after, a secondment or regular travel away from home? Talk to your boss about you can get the exposure you need.

Know your employer’s expectations

If you want to get ahead, it helps to have the support of your manager so they can help you. Discuss your aspirations with them. Get to know what they expect of you. Even more importantly, seek regular feedback, advice and guidance from them. A good maanger is best placed to help you achieve your career aims.

Review your plans; chart your progress

Make sure that the plans you made, the goals set and milestones noted are not forgotten. Each review and appraisal should make direct reference to them. Make time to assess your progress and reset your course if necessary, remembering that there is more than one route to your destination.

Download the full guide here