January is a popular time for reflection and setting resolutions, and this extends to career goals. Career coach Phoebe Gavin emphasizes the importance of proactive planning for professional success, advising individuals to set clear intentions and work towards them throughout the year.
Gavin suggests defining work goals for the year, categorizing them as either internal (within your current company) or external (outside your company). These goals might include acquiring new skills, securing a promotion or raise, finding a new job, or making a career change. Once categorized, individuals should work backward, identifying the necessary steps to achieve them.
For internal goals, such as securing new projects, a raise, or a promotion, it's crucial to demonstrate how your contributions align with the company's objectives and to document your achievements as evidence of your success. Building strong relationships with colleagues, supervisors, clients, and partners is also essential, as advancement depends not only on merit but also on the trust and confidence decision-makers have in their ability to deliver. This trust can be fostered by consistently producing high-quality work, meeting deadlines, actively participating in meetings, and engaging in genuine conversations with colleagues about their lives both inside and outside of work. These conversations can also provide valuable insights into leadership's priorities.
For external goals, such as finding a new job, switching careers, or re-entering the workforce, Gavin recommends expanding your professional network. Joining professional associations and attending their events and conferences can uncover opportunities, provide valuable inside information, and lead to introductions that can give you a competitive edge. Upskilling and obtaining relevant certifications can also enhance your qualifications for your desired role.
Finally, Gavin advises proactively updating your resume and LinkedIn profile to reflect your target role. This minimizes the stress of application deadlines and allows you to focus on making any necessary high-impact adjustments. Ensuring your LinkedIn profile reflects your desired position also increases your visibility to recruiters searching for candidates with your skillset. As Gavin notes, "They can't hire you if they can't find you."