5 tips for a new year of career accomplishments
Dear Sam: Instead of feeling energized about the new year, I feel stuck in a job that appears to be going nowhere. It’s not what I thought it would be when I accepted the role 18 months ago. I have tried to fit myself into the corporate culture, stepping out of my introvert comfort zone, participating in social events and engaging in water cooler conversations, but it’s not me.
I like my work (accounting), but I see few-to-no opportunities for promotion. My job is not challenging me. Instead I am simply performing functions I’ve known how to do for 10 years. What is your recommendation for moving forward? I am scared to look like a job hopper, but also scared to jump ship into a new and similarly unfulfilling position. — Ashley
Dear Ashley: I am sorry to hear of your struggle, and I understand your feelings. As an introvert (now a learned extrovert) I remember when I realized my future with a company was not solely driven by the quality and quantity of my work, but also by my social skills and ability to maneuver in an extrovert’s world. Now, 20-plus years later, I am more comfortable in a world of extroverts, but I still enjoy writing, reading and listening to clients in peace and solitude.
First, you have chosen a field that fits your social preferences well; you just need to find an organization and a culture that you mesh better with.
Here are my top recommendations to ensure you wake up excited to head to the office.
Prepare
If you haven’t already, update your resume with your latest role, exploring how you have added value. Review past performance reviews for ideas and seek Linkedin or written recommendations from peers you feel comfortable confiding in about your career goals.
Launch
Start circulating your resume, connecting with your network online and offline and exploring opportunities. You have been with your employer since 2016, so you will not be seen as a job hopper, but rather as an accountant seeking the next challenge.
Prepare
Be prepared to answer “Why are you seeking a new position?” Focus on the fact that you are seeking opportunities for professional development. Avoid pointing the finger at your employer’s culture. Instead, reinforce that through your research, you believe this potential company’s culture is aligned with your work style.
research
Access your network to get a clear understanding of company cultures before you apply and interview. Seek out organizations that share your passion for buckling down and reward quality and quantity of work. Read company reviews, request informational interviews and do your due diligence while finding an organization that syncs with your personality.
seek
Stepping outside of your comfort zone to engage in social and networking events will help you in future situations while also opening up networking opportunities. Have you joined a local young professionals group? Start there to engage in a group of your peers, which contains people like you who you can connect and grow with.
You are young in your career and already have so much insight on what you do and don’t want in a position. I am confident you will be successful, given the perspective you have gained. Best of luck.
View Dear Sam’s column at dispatch.com/jobs. Samantha Nolan is a certified professional resume writer and owner of Nolan Branding. Reach her at dearsam@nolanbranding. com, visit nolanbranding.com or call 614-570-3442 or 1-888-9523928. Meet her on Facebook, live on Thursdays at 12:15 p.m. EDT, for an extended discussion of this week’s Dear Sam topic.