It’s that time of year again.
The holiday decorations are put away (or at least they should be), and most people have returned to a normal work routine. Re-energized and re-focused, many career-minded individuals’ thoughts begin turning to the future – particularly, how they’re going to take the next step in their chosen fields.
If you’re in an administrative role, and have set your sights on climbing the corporate ladder, you’re in a great position. An administrative job can provide the solid foundation you need to advance into fields such as office management, operations, marketing, human resources and even facilities management.
But how do you progress from where you are now, to where you want to be? Use these tips from Wood Personnel. Our ideas will help you gain experience, showcase your skills and take that next step in your administrative career:
Get your timing right. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither will your career. If you’re new in your administrative position, wait at least six months before pursuing a higher level role. You need to show that you can excel in your existing job. Plus, you don’t want to appear as though you’re not interested in your administrative position.
Ask for more responsibility. When the time is right, step up to the plate. First, think about the areas of the company in which you’re most interested. Then, look for opportunities to help with higher level projects in those areas – but be careful not to spread yourself too thin.
Help fix a problem. Use your problem-solving and organizational skills to get someone out of a professional jam. When you come to a co-worker’s or superior’s aid, that person will take notice – and hopefully want to return the favor. Once the difficulty has been successfully resolved, make your professional aspirations clear to your new ally. See if that person can help you with the internal networking needed to be considered for a promotion.
Present yourself differently. If you want others to view you differently, “repackage” yourself. Identify the experience, skills and personality traits you already possess that can transfer into the higher level role you’re seeking. Update your resume to recast your professional assets and abilities in the language of the job you want. Try dressing a bit more professionally. These small changes will help a hiring manager or HR professional to view you as a stronger candidate for promotion.
Formalize your efforts. Be proactive and request a brief meeting with your boss to explain that you’re serious about making a career in the industry. Come prepared with a list of everything you’ve accomplished, as well as ideas for how you can make yourself more valuable to the company. If your boss understands that you’re career-minded, he can help you plan for your professional development. Together, you can create objectives that allow you to take on more responsibility, master new skills and move one step closer to a higher level position.
Take the next step in your administrative career with Wood Personnel
Looking to develop your skills? Broaden your experience? Take your administrative career to the next level? We can help you with career management. With a wide range of jobs in Middle Tennessee, we can take you from where you are now, to where you want to be. Contact Wood Personnel today to get started or apply online.
