When it comes to your career, taking control is essential if you want to move forward and achieve the job success you desire. Many people feel a lack of control in their careers and instead let their jobs dictate where they go, which can lead to frustration and dissatisfaction at work. Taking responsibility for your career puts you back in the driver's seat and helps you chart a course for career growth and development. In a report from LinkedIn recently – statistics showed that whopping 72% of Australians are not happy in their roles over the last year, so the importance of taking control is higher than ever!

Step 1: Review your strengths, weaknesses, motivators, and values.

First, it’s essential to assess where you currently stand in your career. Make an honest assessment of your skills, experience, and goals. Consider what areas you need to improve or develop further in order to succeed at your current job, as well as for future positions. Researching and learning more about the industry you’re in, as well as the field of work that interests you, can give you an advantage when it comes time to look for a new job or negotiate raises and promotions.

Step 2: Know your advantage.

Once you’ve taken an inventory of your skills and values, it’s time to figure out where you have a competitive edge. This could be in the form of certifications or advanced degrees, specialised knowledge or experience, excellent communication skills, etc. Knowing what sets you apart from other potential candidates will give you leverage when looking for a new job or negotiating a promotion.

Step 3: Research possibilities and make the most of opportunities.

Researching potential job opportunities and staying on top of industry news can help you get ahead. Take advantage of networking events, conferences, or seminars in your field to increase your visibility and build your professional network. Having a strong network of colleagues who are aware of what you’re looking for and where you want to go in your career can be extremely beneficial.

An extension of this is to partner with a trusted recruiter who you can check in with regularly and understand the current landscape of the market. Perhaps you may look to engage with a career coach as well who can provide a broader perspective on your personal and professional situation. They can work with you to uncover that clarity, to help you set goals and to identify and take advantage of new opportunities. Opportunities you may never have thought of and keep you accountable for your goals.

Step 4: Develop expertise.

Developing expertise in your field is key if you want to secure the best positions. Consider taking on additional responsibilities or extra projects that will help you gain greater knowledge and skills. You can also look into courses, seminars, or workshops that will give you a competitive edge. This could include anything from language learning to coding classes – whatever will make you stand out.

Involve yourself in a variety of different projects with exposure to learn new tasks and up your skills including the use of new technology and different stakeholders to work with and learn from. Ask for these opportunities, others may not be aware that these areas would be of interest to you. Putting yourself out there is a great way to show initiative. Remember, if you don't ask you don't get! We hosted a networking event where one of our speakers, Phil Wallace CFO of Holcim spoke of the importance of jumping at a project to develop skills – listen here to some his advice.

Step 5: Network.

This is one I am particularly passionate about. It can be daunting at first but networking really is essential for career success. It’s not just about getting the job but also about developing relationships that can benefit you in the long run. Connect with other professionals in your field and stay in touch as your careers evolve. Social media platforms such as LinkedIn are great tools for networking and connecting with people who may be able to provide you with advice and indeed further connections.

Reach out to colleagues and supervisors, join professional organisations, or attend industry events. This will give you the chance to meet people who can provide advice, resources, and opportunities.

Step 6: Analyse your options.

Before making a career decision, carefully analyse all of your options. Consider the pros and cons of each job opportunity or advancement whether they be internal or external. Think about what you’ll gain from each option and where it might lead in terms of career growth. Research similar roles at other companies or locations to get a better understanding of what’s available at the time. You should consider short term over long term benefits as well.

Step 7: Take action and set goals.

Once you’ve done your research and made an informed decision, it’s time to take action. Make sure that you have a clear idea of what you want to achieve and how you will get there. Set achievable goals and create a plan that takes into account the resources available to you. Taking control of your career means taking initiative, so don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and take risks.

Managing your career is a process that requires time and effort. It’s not something that can happen overnight, but with the right strategy and actionable steps, you can take charge of where you want to go in your career. Setting goals is essential. By setting clear objectives, you can chart a path to success and monitor your progress along the way. Whether you want to take on more responsibility, receive promotions, or even switch industries completely, setting goals will help you stay focused and motivated as you strive for career growth.

Taking control of your career also means staying organised. Establishing an efficient system for tracking and organising your work, contacts, and other important information will help you stay on top of your career goals. Keeping a journal or to-do list can also be beneficial in helping you stay organised and focused.

Step 8. Be accountable.

Finally, it’s important to remember that taking control of your career means understanding that you are ultimately responsible for your own success. Being proactive and taking initiative in achieving your goals is essential, as well as having faith in yourself and being willing to take risks. Stepping out of your comfort zone and not being afraid to challenge yourself can lead to great rewards. Taking control of your career is an important step towards job satisfaction and personal and professional growth. By assessing where you currently stand, networking and building relationships, setting goals, staying organized, and believing in yourself, you can take charge of your career and move it in the direction you choose.

Lastly if you conclude that an opportunity is not right for you - don't flog yourself in a role that is making you miserable and not adding value to the direction you want to go. You should not feel obligated to stay, rather treat it as a good learning experience and hit the re-set button.

I hope these simple tips have helped but if you would like to connect and open a career discussion the team at West Recruitment is here to help. Taking that first step can often be what is holding you back, so take action today and get the career you want!