Starting out in IT, you probably imagined that your job would be similar to the one Tom Cruise had in The Firm (okay, maybe not, but still). You thought that as long as you worked hard, you would get noticed and move up the ranks of your company relatively quickly. Unfortunately, it doesn’t always work like that, which can make your work feel unfulfilling or even unsatisfying at times.
Step 1: Hire a resume writer
All too often, job candidates take their resumes into their own hands and hit save. But hiring a professional can make all the difference when you’re hoping to land your dream job. Indeed, too many candidates don’t know how to write a resume that looks the part and promote their experience. More often than not, resumes for a role end up being too similar by repeating the same buzzwords and sharing common professional paths. When employers see your resume, they want to see two things: what makes you different from the hundreds of other candidates, and how your experience aligns with what they need in a new employee. A professional writer knows exactly how to express your value proposition and create a tailored resume for your skill set.
Step 2: Start building relationships
Networking is not only an effective way to build business relationships, but it can also be instrumental in getting noticed by the right people in the business. As you begin to meet people who are successful and respected in your industry, tell them about your work experience. Their feedback and advice could come in handy if you’re looking for a promotion or considering switching jobs. It will also improve your own leadership skills—if you don’t network, how will you ever learn from the best?
Step 3: Focus on workplace safety
You spend a lot of time at work, and if you’re like most people, you also spend a lot of that time working on a screen. Long days staring at computer monitors and sitting for hours without taking any breaks can strain your body. If you want to improve your health and boost your chances of getting promoted at work, consider incorporating essential health tweaks for prolonged desk-based work.
Indeed, you can also reach out to your current employer to discuss solutions that can benefit your health, such as screen glasses or ergonomic desk setup. Did you know that chronic back pain linked to your workplace setup can affect your career in the long term? In most cases, a work injury lawyer can help you recover medical costs linked to chronic injury sustained at work so you are better equipped to heal and move your career forward.
Step 4: Become an expert in a niche area of technology
Technology evolves quickly and with each new year brings new gadgets, apps and software that tech-savvy job seekers can take advantage of. Whatever you decide to make, come up with an angle that’s different from what other people in your field are offering so you can set yourself apart from others.
Step 5: Become an IT influencer
As you gain experience, take an active role in your community by answering questions on forums and providing valuable input to other users. You could make videos teaching users how to use a specific piece of equipment in their businesses. In doing so, you’ll increase your reputation as an expert and build relationships with like-minded individuals.
Hopefully, these few tips can help you bring your IT career forward and become a successful and desirable candidate for promotion.