Managing a career can often feel separate from your actual day-to-day job. And while the daily responsibilities can feel like a grind, there are basic strategies you need to follow to not only keep your job but also advance in the future.
So whether you’re an entry-level employee or already in management, keep reading to learn about the 10 biggest mistakes that could cost you your job.
If you’re sensitive to criticism, not getting any negative comments can feel like a win. But just because someone hasn’t critiqued your performance doesn’t mean that you’re doing a perfect job — or even a good one. Always ask for feedback, even if you’re nervous about the results.
Check in with your boss when you turn in a project and ask for ways you can improve. Just asking will make you look better in their eyes.
No matter what field or industry you’re in, there are new skills you can learn to help you advance and grow your career. But oftentimes, no one is standing over you, forcing you to do this. You have to be proactive and learn new things on your own.
Sometimes this might even mean paying for classes or conferences out of pocket. However, you can often try to get your company to foot the bill. Being up-to-date on the latest technology will also provide more job security and make it easier to move up in your company.
I used to have a boss who told me, “Never bring me a problem without a potential solution.” I didn’t realize at the time that it would be some of the best advice I ever got.
When you go to your boss with only a problem, you put the onus on them to find a solution. However, if you already have a potential solution in place, it gives them a jumping-off point, even if they don’t end up using your idea. You don’t need to have the perfect plan in place — just something that shows you care.
Have you ever heard the phrase, “Your network is your net worth”? Well, it’s true. When you have a job, it’s easy to think you can skip the optional company or industry mixers and events. And while you don't have to attend every one, it’s still helpful to network.
Building your network will help you in your career, even if you’re already advanced. And if you work in a volatile industry with lots of turnover, knowing more people will only aid you when it’s time for your next job search. Try to attend one event every month — that should be enough to meet new people.
Everyone needs to vent about their job every once in a while, no matter how great it might be most of the time. But doing that on social media could land you in hot water.
No matter how angry or frustrated you’re feeling, you should never express this on a social media account. That even goes for private accounts, especially if your boss or coworkers follow you. In general, save your ranting for friends and family off-line. Also, you might want to be careful about venting in public — you never know who might overhear you.
When you’re an adult, a performance review is the closest thing you have to a report card. And while you could ignore less than satisfactory report cards as a kid, it’s harder to do if you want to get promoted or just keep your job.
Use your performance review as a way to understand what you need to improve on. Set daily and weekly tasks to remind you what you’re working on. For example, if you have a habit of turning in assignments late, find ways to better track your deadlines.
When you start a new job, it’s easy to get lost in the weeds. But once you're settled in, you should think about your long-term professional goals. Keeping those in mind can help you decide what road you want to go down.
If you’re not sure what your goals might be, talk to your boss for some guidance and clarity. You can also meet with other people in your industry and ask them about their goals.
Getting a cost-of-living raise can be good, but the real way to make more money is to negotiate a significant raise.
Of course, you can’t negotiate just because you want to buy a boat or remodel your house. You should only negotiate when you can prove your worth to the company, either by making them more money or by saving them money.
When you’re working at a job, it’s easy to discount all the things you do. But keeping track of your responsibilities can make it easier to update your resume when it’s time to look for a new gig.
You should also keep your LinkedIn profile updated. That includes adding new contacts, updating your skills and certifications and commenting on other people’s posts. Your LinkedIn profile can come in handy when it’s time to look for a new job.
Set a reminder to log into LinkedIn at least every week. If you attend a professional event, you could post pictures and share something you’ve learned. Also, you can get recommendations on your profile from coworkers and supervisors.
Research shows that people who stay at the same company generally end up earning 35% less than those who move around. And while you don’t want a reputation as a perpetual job hopper, you also don’t want to miss out on potential promotions and raises. You don’t have to leave a company if you still enjoy the work and are getting paid the current market rate. However, if you’re underpaid, bored or stuck, then it might be time for a new gig.