If you’ve been in the same position with the same responsibilities for years now, you see no promotion in sight, or you’ve changed employers without much change in your job title or salary, your career may have stalled.
While some plateaus are inevitable, others pose a problem you can fix. Here’s how to get a stuck career back on track:
Decide where you want to go.
Do you want to become a team leader? Step into a management role? Be able to choose or to launch your own projects – and be handed the tools and team members needed to do it?
First, decide what the next step in your career should look like. Be as clear and specific as possible, and choose a goal you can measure so you’ll know when you have achieved it.
Examine your performance reviews.
Your annual performance review paperwork should contain information on what you’re doing well and where you need to improve. Once you have a clear goal in mind, review this paperwork to spot the weaknesses that are impeding you from reaching your goal. Don’t settle for comments like “adequate performance” – instead, identify where you’re going to need to be “outstanding” in order to be given the title and responsibilities you’re aiming for.
Schedule a meeting with your supervisor.
With your performance reviews in hand, schedule a time to talk to your supervisor about your goals. State your goal, point out the specific categories you need to improve in so you can reach that goal, and ask for tips on how to strengthen those skills. Also, be willing to accept guidance from your supervisor on reaching your goal: It’s possible that you’ll need a skill set or strength that you haven’t considered.
Gather feedback from recruiters in your industry.
Structural changes, hiring freezes, or a tough relationship with your current boss can all prevent your career from advancing, no matter how skilled or dedicated you are. If this seems to be the case, talk to a staffing firm. Your recruiter can help you find an employer who offers a better “fit” and more chances to succeed.
The recruiters at ExecuTeam are passionate about matching job seekers with positions that offer the best professional and cultural fit. Contact us today to learn more.