Job vs Career: How to turn a job into a career...

Fact: There is a difference between having a job and having a career.

A job can be a place you turn up to simply to earn money but you have no interest in progressing there.

A career is a journey.

So, how do you take job and make it into a career…?

1. Upskill Yourself

Find ways to upskill yourself in the workplace, there’s always new things you can be taught in your workplace. Whether you learn to run a new machine, learn a new administrative process or learn how to use automated picking machines – there are lots of possibilities available!

Once you have collectively learnt some new skills and started putting them into practice it opens up the opportunity to move into a higher role or different department to start a career journey.

2. Take on more responsibility

Show that you want to progress in the company by communicating that you’d like to complete more tasks in your day to day role. Taking on more responsibility will enable you to learn more about the business and it’s operations, be more knowledgeable about the role and help you to be more responsible for the success of the business, which in turn, will aid you if you’re looking to move up the ladder into leadership roles.

3. Choose the sector you really want to work in

Are you working in a sector that you really want to be in? If you’re not working in a role or for a company you feel passionate about it’s very likely that you’ll never be interested in building a career there. Sit down and think about what would actually get you up in the morning and excited to be a part of. If you’re struggling to get your foot in the door look at ways that would help you get there. Are there any no experience roles in the field that you could work to gain some experience? Are there any qualifications you need? Can you take part in any volunteer work in the sector? There are many ways to build up your CV to help you tailor your skills and experience for a certain type of area of work.

4. Gain qualifications

There are many companies that offer internal and external training to their employees, as well as opportunities to gain qualifications.

If you work in a warehouse is there an opportunity for you to gain an FLT licence? Could you train as a Health & Safety officer? Could you train to be a First Aider? All of these elements would help you to progress into Warehouse Supervisor and Leadership roles, which could lead to Warehouse Manager status.

If you work in a commercial setting, how else could you expand your skills? There are lots of free and paid resources and courses online to gain certificates in copywriting, marketing, SEO, customer service etc. that you could do alongside your job, which enables you to then be able to move into different areas of the business and build your expertise in a particular area of your role.

5. Be patient

Remember that not everything comes to you straight away and you need to be persistent and work hard to gain opportunities.

6. Broaden your network

Your future role may not be at the company you are currently at, but your current role may give you all of the stepping stones for experience and skills to be able to move into a higher paid role elsewhere. While you’re working your current role you can build relationships with clients, customers or other professionals in your field that one day may be seeking someone to join their team and may consider you in their choice.

7. Show you’re interested

Businesses want staff who add the most value to their business. If you turn up to work showing no interest in actually being there then you aren’t going to be considered for promotions. People respond well to those who are enthusiastic.

8. Set a path of goals

It’s the standard question of ‘where do you want to be in 5 years?’, but seriously, where do you want to be in 5 years?

If you set yourself some realistic future goals, you give yourself something to work towards and you can start taking small steps towards your end goal.

9. Go the extra mile

The more you put in the more you’ll get out. People who show that they are willing to go the extra mile without being asked to, or without an incentive will show your management that you have the company’s best interests at heart, and a company never wants to lose someone who adds value to their business.

10. Support your team

When looking for internal progression, your management team are going to look for someone who will be an influence on the rest of the workforce. Supporting your colleagues will also create a good reputation with the workforce to recommend you when an opportunity presents itself.

Are you currently looking for your next long term role? Take a look at our opportunities in your area that provide long term prospects and permanent contracts:

Temp to Permanent Contract

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Derbyshire https://bit.ly/3a28vVI

Nottinghamshire https://bit.ly/2WD0sLV

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Straight Permanent Contract

South Yorkshire https://bit.ly/2Z2oxNm

Derbyshire https://bit.ly/3FWlS8Q

Nottinghamshire https://bit.ly/2XlCN2Y

Staffordshire https://bit.ly/3aOJ8qY

Leicestershire https://bit.ly/3DPmg6V