Inspired's Top 5 Tips for Progression!

We at Inspired love to talk about career progression! There are many indicators that can tell you it is time to move on; you might not feel challenged or lack a clear progression path in your current company. Maybe you have an itch to change the trajectory of your career entirely. Or perhaps you are feeling undervalued and lacking the passion that you once had for your current role. These feelings can be uncomfortable but it is also daunting to take the leap out of what you know into something new. This is why we put together our top 5 tips to progress into a role you love!

1.First things first – work out if there is anything to be done to fix any issues in your current role. Is this something you want to discuss with your line manager? Voicing your thoughts could lead to changes or give you a clearer idea of an internal progression plan. While it might seem nerve-wracking to make the first move, we believe that you can benefit so much from 20 seconds of courage! 

If you specifically feel undervalued in your salary, please do check out the blog we wrote on how to negotiate a pay rise: https://www.inspiredselection.com/insights/career-advice/how-negotiate-pay-rise

2. After this conversation, if you still feel the itch for something more in your current role, it is now time to take a deep dive into what your goals are and what you are looking to achieve in your next steps. Making a plan will give you a solid idea of where you want to go and what you might need to achieve to get there. Write this plan down and come up with actionable points that can get you on the path to progress! Following the SMART method (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-based) can be a great way to start. Remember that you are responsible for your own development, so a proactive approach is key! 

3. Now it is time to review your own experience and be honest with yourself – do you have the skills necessary to take the next step? Don’t be disheartened if not, as this is the perfect opportunity to upskill! This can come in many different forms such as training, internships, courses, or taking on new projects. There are loads of publishing societies or institutions such as the ALPSP that offer a variety of upskilling opportunities, so be sure to keep an eye out! 

For more specific insight, check out the blog we wrote on upskilling: https://www.inspiredselection.com/insights/career-advice/upskilling-how-can-you-invest-yourself-progress

4. Networking is a great source of information in an ever-changing industry. You can talk to peers about their experience with their company or their roles responsibilities and gain great insight into what role or publisher might work for you. Remember to be open minded! Great opportunities can appear anywhere so being in the right head space could make all the difference!

5. Remember that the first step to a new role is a solid application! Spruce up your CV with your new skills and experience and ensure that the information is clear and concise. Once you have a clear plan of where you are looking to go in the industry, writing a tailored CV and cover letter becomes a lot easier. 

For specific CV guidance, please check out our blog here: https://www.inspiredselection.com/insights/career-advice/how-put-together-cv 

For specific cover letter guidance, please check out our blog here: https://www.inspiredselection.com/insights/career-advice/inspired-guide-perfect-cover-letter 

Career progression is a normal and exciting part of the working world! Even if you are happy in your current role, it is still worth remembering these points to keep a proactive and positive mindset of improvement and growth! Keeping your curiosity alive can lead to amazing new opportunities. Here at Inspired, we love to hear from candidates who have the passion and drive to see where their career can take them! You can upload your CV here: https://www.inspiredselection.com/candidates