Moving forward: bomb-proof your career

Whoever’s right, the last year has taught us one thing: you never really know what’s around the corner.

How can you bomb-proof your career so that in future, whatever happens, you come out on top?

Firstly, think where you really want to be in five year’s time? Think backwards from there as if reviewing the way you’ve come ­ plot the steps from your goal all the way back to where you are now. Decide where you need to be in four year’s time, three years, two years, and so on, right back to the first step you need to take.

Find out what skills, knowledge and experience you require at each stage and plan accordingly. Having a well thought out plan means that you can stay flexible.

When you’re driving to a place you know, along a familiar route, you can easily make detours when there are hold-ups or take advantage of short-cuts. It’s just the same with your career. Keeping your goal in view means you can move forward, take side-steps and even step backwards when necessary without losing your way. Increase your flexibility further by improving your employability.

Transferable skills such as communication, problem-solving, interpersonal and leadership skills are needed in many jobs. Read job ads across your sector, ads for the job above yours and for the job you ultimately desire to see which ones are valued in your field. Make sure you can say how, when and where you have demonstrated these skills successfully. If you have gaps, make sure you get the necessary experience to fill them.

Take advantage of any training courses open to you, especially in new or expanding areas. Experience is good, but experience backed up with accredited training is even better. Stay alert to what’s new and up-coming in your field by making sure you keep in touch with colleagues.

Join professional associations and read professional journals. Staying connected means you will get to hear about new developments and be well placed to respond flexibly and effectively.

How do these developments affect your plans? Like a game of snakes and ladders, there may be threats that could send you back to square one if you don’t take steps to avoid them, but there will also be opportunities that could whisk you nearer the top if you can ensure you’re in a position to take advantage
of them.

Lynn Williams is a career coach and author of several books