Career advice no-one tells you

We’re saturated with careers advice. Advice which informs us how to write the best CV or LinkedIn profile, but there is a lot of great career advice that you’re often not told at school or university.

Here are a few ways you can boost your career that you perhaps didn’t know about:

 
Job requirements are negotiable

In my current role, my job description I came to the company with is vastly different from the one I would write now.

This is because, I brought my own skills and knowledge to the role. I was able to pitch this to my boss and use these skills to help the business grow.

When it comes to negotiating these job requirements, you may be worried about looking foolish because you don’t want to sound rude or greedy for wanting that little bit more. The truth is, there are ways you can work your way into even the most stubborn of job requirements, so don’t just settle for ‘no’.

If you have been left disheartened by a job advert that suggests you need years more experience than you have under your belt, that doesn’t mean you’re never going to get anywhere in your desired industry – really.

While certain companies won’t budge on what they’re looking for, there are many out there who are interested to hear from talented individuals who are able to pitch their skills and describe how they can bring something unique to the firm.
 

Don’t be afraid to take a pay cut for a good mentor

There have often been times when employees have been given the choice to have a great mentor or a great rate of pay – what would you choose? The advised answer would be the mentor every time.

Great pay could only be a short-term benefit, whereas a mentor will give you that much-needed training to help you for long-term goals.
 

There’s more to achieve once you get hired

 


So, you’ve managed to secure your ideal role through your education, training and ability to use your technical skillset to manage daily tasks. While these are still important for managing your job role, over time these won’t matter, but how you manage to work your way up through office politics will become your sole focus.

Think to yourself – what else could your company benefit from? Once you notice a gap that you have the opportunity to fill, make your talents known and find the courage to speak to your boss about how your other skills could be of use.
 

The real education begins after university

As soon as a graduate walks out of the university doors, they think their studying days are over; yet, the truth is, the amount of studying they need for a career boost has just begun.

Successful people constantly have their head in a book, are watching documentaries and are taking on research in topics they’re interested in. This enables the individual to broaden their horizons and gain more to talk about in their social life, as well as progressing professionally.

 
Don’t pick a company based on the salary or business scale

When you’re looking for a great role in which you can achieve success, the average figures really don’t matter. You may have a dream job in mind that isn’t going to earn the big bucks, so you throw that idea aside and settle for a boring role that doesn’t give you any job satisfaction.

The bottom line is – do what makes you enjoy and makes happy; the success will follow later if you work hard and push yourself to take a chance.

If you’re looking to start your career or are currently in a job that isn’t for you – consider how a few  of these easy strategies could completely change your life. There’s so much opportunity right under your nose that you’ve probably never even thought about!

Read our no-nonsense guide on finding a job!  If you’d like to discuss your career, please get in touch on 0207 269 6144.