
Further Your Career Strategically
This is a contributed post and may contain affiliate links. The thoughts and ideas expressed may not be exactly what the ghostwriter and copywriter Scott Sery believes. But he did read it, and signed off on it, so it’s at least pretty close.
A recent survey of over 55,000 workers in 50 countries revealed almost a third are planning to change jobs in the next year. If the arrival of a new year has prompted you to explore new options, here are some tips to help you further your career in 2025.
Outline your priorities to further your career
Research shows that our priorities are changing. Polls indicate that factors, such as well-being, flexibility, job satisfaction and work-life balance, have become increasingly influential. When you browse jobs or consider career plans, it’s beneficial to outline your objectives and priorities. What matters most to you? Are you desperate to earn as much as possible? Are you looking for a job that gives you more satisfaction? Are you keen to pursue new interests or passions? Is the main goal to achieve a better work-life balance or improve your mental health? Once you know what is most important to you, you can tailor your search, rule out roles, and zone in on the positions or companies that suit you best.
Seek expert advice
It’s not easy to find a job that checks every box or land your dream role. Competition among candidates is fierce, and it’s common to be unsure about what you want to do. Seeking expert advice can help you pinpoint suitable roles or industries, enhance your employability and boost your chances of getting the job you want. From resume writing and interview workshops to scheduling appointments with experienced career consultants like Jessica Winder, there are several ways to improve your prospects. It’s particularly beneficial to get help if you struggle with certain aspects of job-seeking. If you get to the interview stage regularly, but you fall at this hurdle repeatedly, interview coaching could help you build confidence and elevate performance levels.
Expand your skill set
Upskilling is beneficial for personal and professional development, especially at a time when there is a global skills shortage. Statistics show that 75% of employers have difficulties filling vacancies. Expanding your skill set can help you increase your chances of standing out in a crowd of candidates, boost your earning potential and tap into emerging industries. There are several ways to learn new skills. Examples include undertaking further study via online or in-person courses, completing training sessions and workshops, work shadowing, internships, and apprenticeships.
Networking can Further Your Career
Networking is an excellent way to improve and develop your communication skills, explore new opportunities and career options and create a contact list. If you’re not confident in social settings, going to a networking event may be a daunting prospect. To help you gain confidence, attend events with a colleague, network online via virtual events or make it your mission to go to regular gatherings. This will enable you to get used to how events work and meet new people. Focus on events that are relevant to your skills, career ambitions and level of experience. The Internet is an excellent resource for discovering details of local events. You can also find information in industry newspapers and magazines and by reading blogs.
Consider your passions
The saying goes that you never work a day in your life if you find a job you love. It’s not always possible to secure your dream job or work towards getting the role you want, but basing your job search on your passions can be a positive step. In many cases, people have to accept job offers due to financial commitments or the inability to find a job they want at a specific time, but if you have time on your side, use it to plan. Search for roles that interest, excite or intrigue you and align with your interests. If you have a job already, you can look for vacancies while still earning to prevent gaps in your income. Alternatively, you may find that you get a new job as a stop-gap while you work on improving your prospects within your target industry or company. You may want to do some training or you might need to study, for example. There is also an option to steer away from conventional employment. You could explore opportunities, such as freelancing, doing an internship, volunteering or setting up a new business.
The start of a new year often presents opportunities to think about changing careers or getting a new or better job. If you’re exploring options, or you’re keen to try and get your dream job in 2025, taking simple steps can help you enhance your prospects. Examples include outlining your priorities, seeking expert advice and expanding your skill set. It’s also beneficial to network and consider your passions and interests when searching for your next role.