Here are Michelle’s eight top tips about how to change your career. This article was published in New Idea.
Victoria Beckham once said she wanted to be more famous than Persil Automatic, a laundry detergent that is a household name in the UK. When she entered the music scene in the early 1990s as part of the Spice Girls many people wrongly assumed the group would be a ‘one-hit wonder’. Fast forward 25-plus years, and Victoria is a successful and respected fashion designer. She ignored her critics, aimed high – and got there.
Much of what happens in life is based on what we tell ourselves and how we respond to the expectations of others. To make a career leap, you need to ditch the expectations of others and put yourself securely in the driver’s seat. For many of us, uncertainty isn’t seen as a good thing. While we recognise how we live and work is changing, and will continue to change, we find the appearance of uncertainty, unsettling. There are times when it helps to embrace the uncertainty. So, if one of your goals is to find a new job, here are eight steps to get you on track.
1. Check how fit your career is
Periodically assessing your career helps you determine whether you are in a rut or holding on to an unrealistic, out dated view of your career. It also challenges you to think about what may need to shift and what you may need to do more or less of to ensure a successful, sustainable and rewarding career.
2. Realise your potential
Look at what may be holding you back from making certain career choices. Identify your why – your purpose and why you do what you do – all in the context of the life you want to have and your life circumstances.
3. Explore what your options are
Understand your tolerance for change and your willingness to take a risk as it relates to your career. This includes identifying your strengths, and knowing how the world of work is changing so you can identify good options to progress.
4. Choose what you will progress
Filter your options to find your sweet spot – the options that fit with your life circumstances, goals and willingness to take a risk with your career.
5. Construct your plan to follow
Build your plan to execute your career leap. This includes considering all the key elements that need to be in place to make the change happen, and how you are going to target and measure your progress to achieving your new job.
6. Shape your career brand
Your career identity will shift as your career progresses. It’s important to understand this and consciously cultivate your career brand and reputation. This starts with understanding how you see yourself and how others see you. What you are known for will influence whether people want to work with you.
7. Influence how to enter the market
First impressions count, not just face to face, but also online. In fact, it’s now more than likely your first encounter will be online. You need to build your online presence as well as manage your network and contacts in a way that supports your move to a new career.
8. Launch and transition your career leap well
Landing a new job takes time, but once you are there the effort doesn’t stop. It takes effort and planning to make sure you launch your leap and land it well. You’ll need to take time to embed the leap, and then expand it so you are well positioned for what comes next in your career.