Are you afraid to take the next step in your career?

Too often we think that if we make any changes in our life, we will fail. So we do absolutely nothing. However, as the burnt toast suggests, we learn from failure not from success. If you burn the toast, you will figure out how to avoid burning it the next time.

In your career, if you stay complacent doing everything exactly the same way in fear of failing, you get stuck. You have to spend time re-evaluating your life periodically so that when the right opportunity comes along to take the next step in your career, you will succeed.

10 actionable tips to take the next step in your career

1. Take a continuing education course in an up & coming skill to take the next step in your career.
2. Get a certification in your own field. Project Management Professional (PMP) and Certified Safety Professional (CSP) are two that have helped my clients land great roles. Is this the next step in your career?
3. Purchase your own computer. Surprisingly, I still meet people who don’t have a laptop of their own or even a tablet and rely on a company laptop or computer when they need one. Not a good idea especially when your boss finds your resume on it.
4. Use the computer you have to learn one of the Microsoft Office mainstays. If you don’t know Microsoft Word, you should. If you don’t know, Microsoft Excel and want to work in a field that will need spreadsheets. Take some time to learn. YouTube has resources for learning all sorts of software step-by-step.
5. Get your LinkedIn profile optimized. Make sure you have full content in all the fields and that it speaks to the talents you bring. Give examples of success stories, don’t just fill in name, rank, and serial number.
6. Get your photo taken. With all the social media opportunities out there, you need a profile photo to use. Headshots please.
7. Build your networks. 17 or 28 is not a LinkedIn network. Spend some time thinking about who you know.
8. Volunteer. With so many organizations that need help today, find something to do that you find fun. You will build your network and possibly learn of new opportunities.
9. Read. Kindle has made it possible for you to read anywhere. The Google Nexus tablet my husband bought me for Christmas in 2012 has become my all time favorite gift. I use it for many things but reading is definitely on the top 3.
10. Get your resume professionally written. Yes, you can do this yourself too but experts like myself know exactly what employees are looking for and we will help you avoid some of the pitfalls.

Now stop thinking you will fail if you make changes and get out there and do something!

Need help? Hire me, Julie Walraven, Certified Master Resume Writer. I can take the pain out of writing your resume and even make it fun. We work together to discover those forgotten contributions and position you to win your next role. To find out how, Click Here.

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