Here is the situation: you have been in the same job for a while, and it’s gotten the point where it is starting to feel routine.  Your job is no longer as challenging as it once was, and you spend most days just going through the motions.  While some people love a job that doesn’t change and is relatively easy, others get bored and long for better opportunities and bigger challenges.  If you fall into the latter category, you’re not out of luck!  Here are a few tips to help you find and secure better opportunities. 

Ask for more responsibility.

Before you completely write your current job off as a bust, come up with a list of things that would make your role more challenging.  Often the common thread of the things on the list has to do with not having the responsibility necessary to accomplish those things.  Make an offer, formal or informal depending on your workplace situation, supervisor and current position, to take on more responsibility.  The best time to do this is typically after you have completed a project well and earned recognition from your supervisor.  If you are congratulated or rewarded, take that opportunity to express an interest in increased responsibility.  This will signal to your boss that you are ready to take the next step in your career.

Pick a path.

A great way to prepare yourself for better opportunities is to specialize in and excel at one thing your organization does.  If you need help determining which area you should specialize in, there are many career assessment tests that will tell you which types of employment opportunities are best for you.  Then, focus on getting additional training in the specialty that interests you.  Talk to your human resources department to find out about any upcoming programs or training sessions available.  If your company doesn’t offer additional training or a strong career path in the area you’re interested in, consider looking outside the organization for a position that better suits your interests.

Find a mentor.

There is nothing more helpful to your career than establishing a mentor/mentee relationship with someone who is well respected in your industry and can coach you in your career.  Mentors can be people who perform job roles similar to yours but have been at the company longer, or they can someone from another organization that has a strong network.  Just remember, meeting many different types of people within a company is a good way to open up doors.  If your mentor is from your organization, they’re a great person to go to for advice on how to find employment opportunities within the company.

Network with upper management.

You’ve heard over and over again; finding career opportunities is all about who you know.  It was true yesterday, it’s true today, and it will be true tomorrow.  Networking is key to creating opportunities and advancing your career.  When you have access to upper managers or supervisors in your office, you should take full advantage.  Ask a senior manager out to coffee or lunch in return for allowing you to pick their brain.   Ask to meet with the company leadership to get a better understanding of their vision for the organization.  The more upper management knows you and the more they are aware of your interest and commitment to the company, the more likely they will be to think of you as opportunities arise.

Try something different.

If employment opportunities at your company are scarce, you may want consider trying something completely new. Look at openings at other organizations. Possibly expand your options by exploring how your skills transfer to a different industry.  Sometimes change is the key to advancing your career.

If you decide to look for opportunities outside of your organization, start by updating your resume to prepare  for the job search.  Make sure to add your most recent experience. Use clear concise language, a clean format, and a dab of creativity to help differentiate yourself from the other applicants.  Search for new opportunities through your network and career specific job sites.

By taking extra initiative, asking for more responsibility, and having an open mind to try something new, you’re well on your way to finding better opportunities and advancing your career.

Looking for an exciting new opportunity in the engineering, architecture, or construction industry?

Let the experienced recruiters at RealStreet Staffing help.  Your recruiter will conduct a one-on-one interview to assess your interests, experience, career goals, and work preferences to prepare you for your next opportunity.   Contact us today to start laying the foundation for a better career.