5 Career Habits to Get Ahead

[Badshah Mamun]

5 Career Habits to Get Ahead

Here are five good career habits that will help you turn over a new leaf and get your career graph to move in just one direction ? upward!

Set specific goals
If you don?t have at least one of these, don?t be surprised if you find yourself at the same place at the end of 2011. Make a list of goals you want to accomplish professionally this year. For instance, you want to take on three new projects, expand your role a little and aim for the position of Manager. This will help you focus your efforts on what is important and not get sidetracked.

Update your CV
Sure you are happy with your job but that doesn?t mean you shouldn?t be ready in case better opportunities present themselves. And that?s not all. Updating your CV regularly is a good practice because it gives you a chance to keep track of your progress all year round. If you haven?t made an addition to that CV in a while, that?s a red signal!

Network, network and network!
If you thought you can make it on your own in the corporate world, then you?re sadly mistaken. It?s all about networking these days and getting your connections right. So being a Facebook/ Twitter whiz might finally pay off. But don?t limit yourself to social networking sites. Spread your tentacles.  Meet new people from other departments at work and build your contacts this year. For more tips on networking, click here.

Invest in yourself
It?s time for an upgrade we think. How about a crash course in web designing, communication skills or an online MBA? It could do wonders for your confidence and career. These added skills are what separate a good employee from a great one. So make it your New Year?s resolution to sharpen your skills, increase your knowledge and stay abreast of the times. Reading is another great way to get ahead.

Obey unwritten rules
You know all the right things to do. Be punctual, meet deadlines, don?t waste company resources? A few months into a job and those unwritten rules just fly out the window. There?s no one around to police but you never know when that extended ciggie/ chai break could be held against you.

Do you have any other career tips that have worked for you? Leave us a comment and let us know.


Source: http://blog.timesjobs.com/2012/03/5-career-habits-to-get-ahead/