We know that the State Fair signals to many Minnesotans that summer is over. However, you still have time to jump into action in 2016 to undertake projects that will help grow your career yet this year.
1.Pick up a new skill
Class is nearly in session. Local colleges, online classes and educators in your industry are firing up their lesson plans for fall. If there’s a skill that you’ve been meaning to add to your resume, with just a few keystrokes, you’ll be able to figure out where you can acquire it. Generally, with a little training and some added effort for a few weeks, you can learn enough to be “dangerous.” If you’re working on acquiring a skill that will act as the centerpiece of a new career, you’ll likely need more experience, but at least with a brief introduction you’ll be able to assess if you like working toward mastering it enough to continue pursuing it.
2.Craft a plan
Is there a new department or position opening up at your company that you’re really excited about, but are afraid you’d never be considered for? Make your case. Figure out who is in charge of hiring, who you can talk to that knows how the person in charge hires and what impresses them most, and make an effort to know all the players. After you’ve done your homework, then you have to get to work to show how you’re the best man or woman for the job.
3.Consult your recruiter
If you, like 16% of Americans, had a big birthday bash, class reunion or another social event this summer, you’re liking taking stock of your career according to Harvard Business Review. According to their study, Americans are inspired to make a change in their career following an event where they have to talk about “where they’re at” in life. After some consideration, if you can’t see how you’d be excited to talk about your current job at your next reunion or birthday party, consult your recruiter to make a calculated career move. Together, you can discuss the current hiring landscape within your industry, potential upcoming opportunities, and craft a strategy to make your next career move.
4.Get active within your industry
If there’s a group within your industry that you’ve been meaning to join, attend their fall meeting. If there is a board or committee that’s looking for a new member within that group, now might be the time to throw your hat in the ring for consideration. Don’t look at this as a way to fill in another section of your LinkedIn profile, but a way to showcase your skills and talents with other people in your industry.
5.Let your network know what you’re doing
In addition to getting more involved with industry groups and events, get active on LinkedIn. We’re not suggesting that you update your profile headline to, “Searching for a new role, available immediately,” but you should start leveraging LinkedIn to reconnect with your network. With all the publishing options that LinkedIn offers, you can do smaller things like comment on people’s posts or even put together a long-form article about a topic affecting your industry. LinkedIn can be a place where you can share your professional thought leadership and position yourself as someone who is looking for the latest information about your industry, and seeks to stay informed on the direction your industry is moving in. Just a friendly reminder, especially with elections approaching, that your political posts and other views should be reserved for Facebook and other non-professional social media platforms.
Of course we want you to enjoy the rest of your summer, but these are five relatively simple suggestions that could make a real difference for you next year. A quick check in with your recruiter, especially if you haven’t been in touch this year, will likely yield more specific, actionable suggestions regarding your career. You might have to give up a Netflix binge watching session or two, but Netflix will still be there when the snow flies. Craft a plan for the rest of the year before Labor Day, and feel confident about where you’re at when you walk into your year-end review.