When it comes to spring cleaning, your closet or kitchen might come to mind. However, this is an ideal time of year to clean house for your career too. Whether you want to get promoted, make a change to a different industry, or pursue a new job, spring cleaning your career can help you reach your goals and take that next important step.
To make that happen, be sure to:
Take stock of where you are.
It’s easy to get caught up in your daily to-do list and forget about the big picture. However, now is a good time to ask yourself if you’re on track, professionally. Do you like your job,, or is going to work draining each day? If you could change something, what would it be? What are your career dreams and goals? Answering these questions will give you guidance as to where you are and where you want to go.
Go through your options.
As you’re evaluating your career, think about those areas that are of particular interest to you, both at work and in your spare time. It is possible to develop a hobby or a side job into a career if you have a passion for it. If not, think about areas at work where you could take on more challenging roles, putting you in a position to take that next step up.
Refresh your skills and gain new ones.
No matter what your career goals are, you should always be learning and growing. Even if it’s not necessarily related to your industry or role, you never know where taking a class, enrolling in a course, or attending a seminar can lead you.
Whether you’d like to sharpen your public speaking skills, learn about grant writing, or find out how to code a website, continuing education is key to career success. You’ll also have a chance to network with others while you pursue different interests and expand your skillset.
Clear out your schedule.
If you’re overworked and constantly in a rush, consider the activities that compete for your time and attention. If, for instance, you’re volunteering at two or three different organizations, think about cutting it down to one. Pick and choose optional meetings to attend and focus on other extraneous areas where you can gain more time and refocus it on other areas of your career.
Polish your resume and LinkedIn profile.
If you’d like to pursue a new opportunity, you’ll first need to dust off your resume and polish your LinkedIn profile. As you do, focus on accomplishments, not tasks, and quantify your background and track record wherever you can. An employer wants to hire someone who delivers results, so state things such as “Led a team of 10 employees and achieved a 98% customer retention rate” instead of “Led a team and managed customer relationships.”
Need help making your next career move?
Turn to PrideStaff. As expert recruiters in Tempe, we can help you better define what you want from your career and find your next great opportunity. To get started, simply contact us today.
