If you’ve been standing still in your career path for the past few years, there’s reason to be confident again.

The Conference Board Measure of CEO Confidence improved in the fourth quarter of 2011 and increased further in the first quarter of 2012. The Measure now reads 63, up from 49 last quarter.

To you, that means new opportunities to climb the career ladder. After a long dry spell, CEOs’ appraisal of current economic conditions has grown very positive. Now, 67 percent say conditions have improved compared to six months ago, up from just 17 percent last quarter.

It’s a good time to set new career goals and update your resume! For online career coaching services, see www.cameocareer.com

“What Are People Skills, Anyway?”

This new book could be your ticket to ride up on the career ladder. Order at www.xlibris.com

If you’ve just about given up on the idea of climbing the ladder at your current place of employment . . . hope is near.

Along with trickling unemployment numbers, promotions are in again! As companies start to see their competitors hire again, the smart ones try to salvage the talent they have by promoting good people, then hiring new ones to fill their old shoes.

When times are as tough as these, you feel lucky to have a job, but should you abandon your plans for career advancement? The answer is definitely “No. Your current company could save money by putting you in a higher place that has been or soon will be  vacated.

If you have a good track record at your current job, a layoff could also  lead to a step upward for you. Rather than restricting your job applications to lateral moves, or the same type of job you had, think big.

If you have been an assistant quality control manager, it may be time to look for quality control management positions. If you’re a teacher who someday hopes to be a counselor or principal, start applying for those jobs now. If you’re willing to move, especially to small towns where the pickings are slimmer, you could find yourself making lemonade out of a sour situation.

When people in your current position are being laid off in large numbers, it’s to your advantage to look up the ladder instead of trying to hold on to a shaky wrung.

For more career advancement tips, see www.cameocareer.com

Someday. What is it that you want to do some day? Would you like to be top dog? President of your company? Business owner? Manager of your department? Wealthy and worry-free?

Whatever you’d like to do someday, you should start planning now. Write out 10 “Someday, I want to”_________________________________
_________________(fill in the blank) statements. Date your list, save it on your computer, and look at every year.

You’ll be surprised how your subconscious works to bring about the things you want. The key is putting your “I want to’s” in writing and revisiting them along the way.
For more tips, see Career Advancement at www.cameocareer.com

We’ll answer one question per inquiry.

www.cameocareer.com

A mentor is a person who currently holds a job you would like some day. Let’s say you’re a counter clerk, but eventually you’d rather be the manager of the store. All you have to do is tell the current manager about your goal and ask him/her to be your mentor.

If you don’t get along with your manager, it’s a little more complicated. First, you need to ask yourself “Why don’t we get along?” If your reasons are legitimate (not just envy, resentment or resistance to authority), find a manager somewhere else who will be your mentor. All you have to do is ask.

People are usually flattered that someone would like to be mentored by them. Their role is to meet with you occasionally and share tips on how to get where they got. In other words, your mentor will give you advice on how to become a manager.

Unbeknownst to others, most people who go on to higher positions usually had a mentor who helped them get there. The person climbing the career ladder may not even realize it. Often, someone higher on the career ladder simply notices the good work of someone else and informally encourages them to do more.

by Susan K. Maciak, Career Consultant, www.cameocareer.com

Develolp Skills that Help You Climb the Ladder

Communication Skills

Speak and Write Professionally

Improve Your Presentation Skills

Organizational Skills

Use Planning Calendars / Time Management Techniques

Learn Prioritizing / Planning Skills

Leadership Skills

Know the Role of Leadership in Your Field

Assess Your Management Capacity

Develop Leadership Qualities