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

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

In times like today’s, it’s realistic to be pessimistic, but for anyone who wants to climb  the career ladder, it’s always better to be optimistic. Being an optimist  – realistic or not — allows you to to grit your teeth and keep going even when the odds go against you.

Decision makers who can make or break your move up the wrungs notice folks with a “can do” approach –no matter how tough times may be. Even underlings would rather work for someone who sees the glass half full rather than  half empty.

An optimistic person has the best chance of being promoted in good times, bad times and the worst of times. A positive attitude is crucial for career advancement.

For more on attitude, see corporate training programs on leadership at cameocareer.com

You have your eye on a job higher than you are on the corporate ladder. How do you climb up there fastest? One of the first steps is to act “as if.” Act as if you already have the job you want.

Start with dressing to look the part. If you want to be assistant manager, say, dress as the current assistant manager does. No shortcuts. If he/she wears a shirt and tie every day, you should , too. Wear a suit if need-be, the same color and style as the person who has your position.

Check out that person from head to toe. Make sure your hair, jewelry, accessories and even shoes match up. The first step to getting a promotion is coming to work looking ready for the job you want, not just the job you have.

See www.cameocareer.com for further details. Watch for next week’s post for more tips on getting promoted.