Has the recent pandemic made you rethink where your career is going? Maybe you’ve realised that it’s now time to move up the ladder - or to move on. If so, you are not alone. For many, last year’s lockdowns turned work routines upside down and gave us time to reflect on what we value the most and what we want from our jobs. Microsoft’s 2021 Work Trend Index found that 41% of the 300,000 people they surveyed were considering leaving their current employer within the next year, with almost half (46%) planning to make a ‘career pivot or transition’.

Whether you’re taking the first step in your career, have been moving your way up the ladder, or are getting back into work are some time away, there are plenty of things you can do to reach your career goals. Here are our top tips on how to boost your career in 2022.

Getting Your First Job

That first job after you’ve finished school, college or university is an exciting prospect and can set the tone for your future career. Although the pressure to land your first job can be high, don’t feel you have to settle for the first role that comes your way. Look carefully at the company structure, culture, and ethos to see if it aligns with your values and how you like to work. Find out if there are opportunities for growth within the company in the future – this is something you can discuss at the interview stage, but you can also check out the company’s career page and other vacancies they are advertising, to get a better idea of the career progression on offer before you apply.

Ask your friends, family, or mentors for guidance – they have your best interests at heart and it can be invaluable having someone take a second look over your CV, application or personal statement. Don’t forget to leverage your social media profile to maximise your opportunities – sites like LinkedIn are great for building your professional network and getting seen by recruiters and potential employers. Read our blog on “How A Strong Social Media Profile Can Help You Get Hired” for tips on polishing your social profiles.

Moving On

For those who have been in the workforce for a little while, wanting to change jobs is completely natural. You may be working towards a promotion, looking to change careers entirely, or on the hunt for an employer with a company culture that is a better fit for you. Whatever your goals, here are five tips for making your next career move a success.

• Create a Personal Development Plan
  If you are planning to progress within your current company, it’s a good idea to get your manager on board with your plans. Create a Personal Development Plan to map out your immediate and long-term goals and how you’ll achieve them. Check out our blog on creating a successful personal development plan.
• Enhance your skillset
  Building on your existing skills can enhance your career and open up new opportunities. You can do this by joining online courses, volunteering, and taking on projects at work which are outside of your usual remit. Developing transferrable skills will not only set you up for success in your current role, but as they can be applied to a wide range of jobs and sectors, they can be really useful when you’re applying for a new job or industry. Not sure which skills to focus on? A survey by McKinsey Global found that most companies prioritise and encourage the development of critical thinking and decision making, leadership and management, and data analysis skills in their employees. Read our blog on enhancing your skillset for career success here.
• Update your CV
  If you have been in the same position for a couple of years, the chances are your CV will be in need of a refresh. It’s good practice to update your CV every few months, even if you aren’t actively looking for a new job. Delete irrelevant information such as clubs you were in university – unless you’re applying for jobs that specifically value these interests - and add in your accomplishments at work. Put in numbers and results where you can; data, metrics, and statistics show recruiters and hiring managers the impact you made. “Edited 5 whitepapers per week’, ‘managed a budget of £100, 000 and cut costs by 10%’ or ‘wrote 10 press releases per week’, for example, sound much more impressive than vague statements. Once your CV is up to date, polish your LinkedIn profile with a great headline, recommendations from people you’ve worked with, and articles that will help you get noticed – get more tips here.
• Carve out a new role for yourself
  Have you noticed a gap in your company that you could fill? For example, could a process be streamlined if there was a person dedicated ensuring coordination between two different departments across the world? Let your organisation know that you’d be great at driving those changes. Get others within the company on board with your idea and draw support from the influential colleagues. Remember, organisational charts are not completely set in stone – new roles can be created as needs arise, so this could be your chance to shine.
• Choose the right job
  Choosing the right role is essential, regardless of whether you are moving roles within the company or changing employer. You deserve to be in a role that excites you, motivates you, and offers you opportunities for personal and professional growth. A role you are already fully qualified for may not give you enough room to grow - instead, aim for jobs that you are around 70% qualified for. This will help you grow professionally, and as you’ll have skills and experience to develop, you’ll be less likely to get bored after a few months.

For more career advice, check out our blog here. If you need help updating your CV or to find out about our latest roles, contact your local Adecco branch and connect with a recruiter today!