Breaking into your career and landing your dream job is not going to happen magically. You have to put in the time and effort to make it happen for yourself. But, of course, there are a few things you can do to help the process that no one will actually tell you.
1. Venture outside of your comfort zone
Staying inside your comfort zone means that you will not grow with your career. Growth is a massively important thing for your personal and career development. Be okay with being uncomfortable with something new, and you’ll learn something!
2. Pick a boss, not a company
While company culture and policies are certainly an important thing to consider, you want to make the decision to accept a job offer based on your impression of your superiors. Your boss will be someone you work with daily, and you will need to have a good working relationship with them.
3. Embrace failure
Failure isn’t anything to be afraid of. On the contrary, it is inevitable and should be viewed as an opportunity to learn. Your self-esteem and self-worth will flourish if you can embrace failure in your life and career.
4. Find a mentor, and be a mentor
When you are starting your career, you should find someone in your network willing to mentor you. Then, learn from your mentor and continue to develop your skills. You’ll be in an excellent position to advance. As you establish yourself, you should be willing to do the same for others.
5. Let go of perfection
There is no room for perfectionism in the workplace. We can’t all be perfect, and our idea of “perfect” might not be the same vision as someone else. So instead, learn to develop an idea and build on it. Collaborate with others, and don’t be afraid to get feedback on drafts or unfinished work.
6. Career growth is not always an upward ladder
In your career, you cannot expect to be on a steady, upward trajectory. You are going to face challenges, setbacks, lateral moves, plateaus, and more. By keeping realistic goals in mind and having a plan to achieve them in place, you will be prepared for when those things happen.
7. Work smarter, not harder
Finding ways to be efficient and thorough in your work will strongly impact your working and personal life. If you can find a way to reduce your workload while offering the same output and value, not only will your workday go smoother and less stressful, but your employer will be happy as well.
8. Everyone is replaceable. Don’t get too comfortable
Understand that landing a job does not mean that that company is obligated to employ you until you retire. You need to do what you can, within reason, to continue to earn your place in the company. Remember too, that it’s a two-way street, and if you choose to leave, you can be replaced. You are not obligated to stay in an environment not suitable for you.
9. Change is good
Staying in a routine is comforting, but it does not lead to growth, success, or forward momentum. Making changes to keep things fresh, contemporary, and right for you in the present moment is an excellent way to stay engaged in your work and career.
10. You CAN fake it until you make it
If you outwardly appear like you have no idea what you’re doing – no one with think you know what you’re doing and will pass on hiring you every single time. However, if you go in with confidence and with an attitude that highlights you as an expert, not only will you get the chance to show them what you can do, but also your brain will trick itself and believe it too. Of course, ask for help when you need it and continue to learn, but having fake confidence in yourself will lead to actual confidence.