Make the right career moves, not job change
ASHOK was bored thoroughly with his job and desperately wanted a change. He had almost made up his mind to look for another job and even redrafted his CV to circulate in the job market. For further clarity he sought the advice of his friend who was also a career counsellor on the best way to go about his endeavour. What his friend said made him rethink, Ashok would find another job but how could he be sure of that elusive `happiness factor' in his new job.
This prompted Ashok to seriously introspect. Did he really want to change his job? His friend also suggested that he should look for more interesting opportunities within the same organisation.
If Ashok's situation sounds familiar to you, maybe you too should do some soul-searching and find out why you are really not happy in your current job. Maybe you are bored with your job or are not happy with your current employer or you need a complete career overhaul. Sometimes your motive for a change can be a feeling of boredom and burnout or lack of motivation. Or you might be looking for a better position or job enrichment. Whatever your motive to look for a change you could find it in the company you are presently working for. Too good to be true? Nevertheless, it is possible. This is because when companies spend so much time and money to recruit people and train them it makes better sense to promote existing employees and help them develop their career or provide better positions in house rather than go through the hiring process every time. The next time you attend a meeting or discuss your appraisal with your manager, discuss the possibilities of enhancing your current position or even finding a better opportunity within the company. Beside this you need to do some marketing or self-advertising to get promoted within the company. However, remember that unless you actively pursue your desire to better your career nothing or no one is going to put you there. The key is to get noticed by the company management during promotion time. Do not presume that just because you are a sincere and dedicated worker new openings will automatically come your way. You will have to publicise the fact that you have been working hard especially to your boss. It is imperative that you make your boss aware of your desire to move up the hierarchy. You cannot assume that he knows about it. You will have to tell him about your goals and also ensure that you get his support because you will need it and asking him for it will flatter him.
When there are many candidates for a post do not make the mistake of thinking that your friends will be absent from the race. So be sharp and alert otherwise your colleagues may grab that post right under your nose.
If you need information on any new openings in the company, keep your eyes and ears open and establish contacts with people in other departments to get valuable tip-offs. Also maintain contacts with the bosses in other departments especially if you are looking for a change of department and not happy with your present boss. The only way to do it is to show your interest in the goings on of the department you are interested in and learn about the job and offer to pitch in when they need help. But remember all this should not affect your regular work. Your enthusiasm and eagerness to help will be remembered whenever there is an opening in that department.
You could also take up training in the area of your choice. To find out what you really want to do, assess your skills and strengths and jobs you enjoy doing and find out those areas where your skills will find their best use. After you find that right job, you can put these skills to use and you will definitely succeed and love your job as well.
HEMA GOPALAKRISHNAN
faqs@cnkonline.com
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