- Focus on Personal Branding
- Be Selective About Your Applications
- Consider Career Coaching
- Focus on Networking
- Ensure You Are Proficient with Technology
- Remember that Skills Often Beat Qualifications
- Leverage Your Mentor
- Consider Starting Your Own Business
- Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile
- Be Prepared to Explain Yourself
- Embrace Work-Life Balance
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Careers are very rarely a steady path to the top. Most of them have peaks and dips and plateaux, stops, and starts. If you’ve taken some time out from a career, then it can seem tough to get back on the career track. The good news is, that you can do it, even in a tough economic climate. Here are some tips to help.
Focus on Personal Branding
Revamp your professional image both offline and online. Update your resume, create a compelling LinkedIn profile, and maintain an active presence on relevant professional platforms. Your personal brand is your calling card to the professional world.
Be Selective About Your Applications
If you’re desperate to get back into a career, you may be tempted to apply for all the jobs you can find. Resist the temptation. Instead, read adverts carefully so you really understand what employers want from a candidate. Then think honestly about how good a fit you are for both the role and the employer.
Careers are very rarely a steady path to the top. Most of them have peaks and dips and plateaux, stops, and starts. If you’ve taken some time out from a career, then it can seem tough to get back on the career track. The good news is, that you can do it.Click To TweetKeep in mind that the same job role can have a very different “look and feel” depending on the employer and their industry. For example, customer service at a start-up fashion retailer is probably going to be very different from customer service for a blue-chip bank.
Consider Career Coaching
Hiring a career coach could provide a fresh perspective and valuable guidance. They can help you identify your strengths, set clear goals, and develop a strategic career plan. This professional assistance can be the catalyst for significant career advancement.
Focus on Networking
Building and nurturing your professional network can lead to exciting opportunities and collaborations. Attend industry events, join professional associations, and engage with peers online. Networking can open doors and provide valuable insights into your industry’s trends and demands.
Ensure You Are Proficient with Technology
Tech proficiency is becoming increasingly important across industries. Whether it’s mastering new software or understanding data analytics, enhancing your tech skills can significantly boost your career and open up new opportunities.
Remember that Skills Often Beat Qualifications
Certain jobs do require specific qualifications, usually for legal reasons (or insurance purposes). In many cases, however, qualifications are desirable rather than absolutely necessary. When that’s the case, focus on the job requirements and explain how you could fulfill them effectively.
It’s absolutely fine to use examples from one area of your life to show competence in another. What’s more, there’s even room for a bit of lateral thinking when you do so. For example, let’s say you’ve had a small business selling your own hand-crafted products. You clearly have sales skills. This means that you’re confident in dealing with people and probably a good negotiator.
These skills are hugely valuable in all kinds of environments. For example, if you wanted to work in credit control, financial qualifications might be helpful. What you really need, however, are people skills. Specifically, you need the negotiating skills to maximize voluntary payments and the judgment to know when to use third-party collections.
Leverage Your Mentor
Finding a mentor can provide invaluable guidance and motivation. A mentor can share their experiences, offer advice, and help you navigate challenges. This relationship can greatly influence your career development and progress.
Consider Starting Your Own Business
If traditional employment is not fulfilling, consider starting your own business. It could be a consultancy in your field of expertise or something entirely new. While it’s a significant commitment, entrepreneurship can offer immense career satisfaction and financial rewards.
Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile
There are two good reasons why you should make the time to optimize your LinkedIn profile. Firstly, these days it’s almost guaranteed that employers will check it at some point. Secondly, it maximizes your chances of being spotted and headhunted.
You can improve your chances of being spotted even further by actively networking on LinkedIn. Keep in mind, however, that there is a big difference between “actively” and “randomly”. Look for groups, pages, and brands that are relevant to what you want to do. Then try to build your relationship with them. In short, try to make yourself the person they want to hire.
Be Prepared to Explain Yourself
You stepped off the career path. Now you want to get back on it. Employers are going to want to know why. Honesty is always the best policy. It is, however, sensible, to phrase your honest answer in a positive way.
Embrace Work-Life Balance
A successful career isn’t just about professional achievements. Prioritize work-life balance to maintain your health and happiness. Consider flexible working options, prioritize your well-being, and ensure you’re not neglecting your personal life.
If you're serious about taking your career to the next level, you need to be on LinkedIn®. In LinkedIn In 30 Minutes, author Angela Rose will show you how to make a rock-solid LinkedIn profile and expand your network.
