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As recruiters, we define “moving up the career ladder” as having a job that continues to challenge us, keep us learning every day, and helps us achieve the goals we set for ourselves. A career ladder doesn’t have to mean a different position on every rung.
Consider how to move up the ladder within your company
Before you look elsewhere, we recommend developing your career within a firm before hopping to another company. If a company offers you enough career progression, you can forge great relationships and a strong understanding of the business, helping you to move forward.
Improve the breadth as well as depth of your knowledge
Career movement doesn’t always mean moving up. Remember that moving into a parallel or even a very different area can bolster your career by giving you an invaluable perspective into a related field or proving that your industry, role or department is where you want to stay. Workers can no longer afford to operate in silos, and twenty-first-century roles demand candidates with a breadth of knowledge.
Utilise your network to move up the career ladder
Helping others is one of the best ways to make yourself memorable—and valuable. People remember acts of kindness, so think of your network as something to foster rather than to use. Networks are essential to your career health. Make introductions between people and put them forward or ask for their help brainstorming ideas. If you make other people feel special and needed, they will remember you the next time a relevant opportunity comes along.
Find out what your firm has to offer
Some firms offer mentoring opportunities between departments or even between offices. These are always great moments for you to get ahead, as they will give you a chance to increase your network in a meaningful way.
If your company doesn’t offer mentoring programmes, we recommend you find one or two people in the company to whom you can talk.
Look for opportunities outside your comfort zone
Work shadowing is a viable way to get more experience, and people really do love to be asked. Perhaps you see exciting work in other departments. Or maybe you’d love to work with the bubbly team you can hear on the floor above. If you lack the confidence to ask, remember that others might also be looking for the same chances. Find the right person, and they might also be interested in shadowing you. An exchange will help you feel like you’re giving something back.
Visualise your goals as you move up the career ladder
The GROW model is one of the best ways to help you understand how to move up the career ladder. We recommend setting yourself some targets (that’s the Goal part of GROW). When moving up the career ladder, try to set some out of your comfort zone because the best way to achieve great things is by pushing yourself beyond your boundaries. Give yourself some recognition for your successes, and keep a private record of them. This should motivate you to continue.
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Sometimes moving up the career ladder does mean changing careers. If you’re looking for a change in your job, send us a message. We can help you identify what you need in your career and give you the means to get there.