Whether you are looking for your first “real” job, or you have been at your current workplace for a couple of decades, you may know something about how to advance your career.
However, there is plenty of information out there still left to discover. If you read all the popular job blogs or talk to an advisor, you’ll probably get plenty of good advice--but what about those lesser known tidbits on how to get the most from your career? We’ve put together a few lesser-shared words of wisdom you may want to keep in mind.
1. You CAN fake it till you make it
It is not necessary to be an expert on a subject or field to land a great job and succeed in it. In many cases, if you have the ability to research, learn and adapt you can land a position that you’ll grow into. Just be honest and remember that Google is always your friend!
2. Interview bosses when they interview you
A good boss can make a “just okay” job awesome, while a bad boss can turn a plum position into a stress-filled burden. Look at the leadership structure in a company before you commit to working for it. Not only will you be happier, you may be healthier. After all, a Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine study showed that workers who have managers they don’t like are 60% more likely to suffer a heart attack!
3. Pay isn’t everything
Think about more than just what you take home in the form of a paycheck when choosing a job. A great experience or job that helps you build for a better future may be worth taking a paycut.
4. Never stop learning
As Socrates said, “Education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel.” That means you should never stop learning. Whether this means advancing your education formally, attending corporate events or just reading up on your industry, do something every day to grow in your knowledge.
5. Keep one eye open
Even if you are 100% satisfied with your job, don’t be afraid to keep an eye open for other opportunities. Social media is a great way to keep abreast of what else is out there. According to The Muse, LinkedIn has over 300 million users, with a large portion spending time on the site each week--if you’re not using this site, or some other, you’re falling behind your “competition.”
The most important thing to remember, when it comes to your career, is that nothing is permanent. If you’re not in a position you like, now may be the time to research education in a different area.
