How to overcome career advancement challenges

Interview Preparation Management
#1

Here are five steps to help you overcome challenges and achieve your career advancement goals:

1. Build your confidence

The time you spend worrying about not being good enough or experienced enough for a higher position could be the time you spend taking on a new role and learning how to thrive. Therefore, you should try to build your self-confidence to overcome career advancement barriers. You can build your confidence by taking a certification course, asking to take on a more challenging project at work or by going back to school to earn your associate’s, bachelor’s or master’s degrees.

2. Assess your company’s advancement opportunities

If you like the company you work for but are beginning to feel like your job position doesn’t interest or challenge you, review the types of career advancement opportunities available. Your HR department may be able to give you insights about potential job openings or help you get entry to a certification program within your field.

Also, assess whether you’ve witnessed those in your role or similar positions gain more senior roles over time. If your company doesn’t always go with inside hires or you’ve tried to get a more senior position before and haven’t succeeded, it might be time to look for external opportunities at other companies.

3. Meet with your manager to determine advancement opportunities

Another way you can potentially overcome career advancement challenges is by meeting with your manager or employer to voice your desire for new tasks or roles. They may be able to help you take the next step in your career within the company. If they mention a lack of opportunities at present, consider looking for other job opportunities.

4. Enlist the help of a career counselor

If you’re unsure of where to start when it comes to advancing your career, hire a career counselor. These professionals can help you revamp your resume, identify your goals, highlight what’s holding you back from achieving those goals and how to move forward. Most of all, they hold you accountable for your efforts to achieve new roles and opportunities.

5. Use your professional communication platforms

There are a few professional social media sites that enable you to showcase your work and expertise while engaging with those in your industry. You could even create your own website or online portfolio. You can connect with previous and current coworkers as well as those in roles you want to pursue. Your ability to create a large pool of connections within your field could lead to you learning about a new job opening or being reached out to by an employer.