The Secret Career Hacks No One Teaches You in School
Once you enter the corporate world, you soon realize that school gave you a lot of things—but maybe not how to succeed in your career. You’ve been taught to do equations, read books, and know dates by heart, but no one taught you a playbook on how to succeed in your career in the first place. These are the sneaky career hacks no one ever teaches you in school but that can literally be the difference maker in your career.
1. Networking Is Your Golden Ticket
Merit and hard work will most often bring you success. These are good, but networking will more often close the deal. Who you know may prove more valuable than what you know. This is how you build a solid professional network:
- Attend Industry Events: Industry conferences, webinars, and networking mixers are ideal to meet professionals in your field.
- Leverage LinkedIn: Collaborate with experts in your industry, such as, comment on their status, and send useful messages.
- Ask for Mentorship: A mentor will mentor you, assist you with professional concerns, and also introduce you to influencers in your industry.
2. Soft Skills Matter Over Hard Skills
The employers require technical skills, but your soft skills make you stand out. These are communication, flexibility, leadership, and emotional intelligence. Indeed, most hiring managers value these skills more than the technical skills because they are difficult to learn.
To build your soft skills:
- Practice Active Listening: Listen to understand, not respond.
- Take Emotional Intelligence: Be conscious of your emotions and how they impact your working relationships.
- Practice Public Speaking: Getting good at speaking your mind will assist you in job interviews, presentations, and management positions.
3. The "Hidden Job Market" Exists
Did you know that most jobs never make it to a public posting? Some studies indicate that as many as 70% of jobs are landed through networking and referrals. This “hidden job market” is why networking is so effective.
To access this market:
- Let People Know You’re Looking: Be willing to let friends, family, and people you meet know that you’re in the market for something different.
- Ask Informational Interviews: Contact working professionals at organizations you respect to learn how they got where they are and if they have any openings.
- Join Professional Associations: Professional associations often post private job listings to members.
4. Personal Branding Is Critical
In the digital era, your online reputation can make or break a chance. Your personal brand stands out.
- Tidy Up Your LinkedIn Profile: Update your profile with a professional photo, complete work history, and good recommendations.
- Post Quality Content: Post tips, articles, and success stories to prove your credibility.
- Build a Portfolio: If possible, have a website or online portfolio of your work.
5. Negotiation is a Must-Have Skill
It is usual for the majority of people to take the first job offer without negotiating, but you need to negotiate on your behalf. Your salary, benefits, or job description, there is always something to negotiate.
- Do Your Research: Utilize websites such as Glassdoor or Payscale to have a rough idea of how much other people in your position are getting paid.
- Practice Confidence: Be confident and support your demands with facts.
- Negotiate Beyond Salary: Negotiate benefits, flexible work hours, training, and vacation time as part of the negotiation.
6. Your First Job Won't Make You
Most new graduates do feel pressure to land the “perfect” job immediately. But your first job is not a career-defining job. What’s truly significant is getting experience, making contacts, and learning new skills.
- Be Open to Learning: Every job teaches something valuable, even if it’s not in your dream field.
- Keep an Open Mind: Many successful people started in roles completely unrelated to their eventual careers.
- Be Proactive About Growth: Take on extra responsibilities and learn beyond your job description.
7. Time Management Separates the Good from the Great
Many professionals struggle with productivity. Managing your time effectively can boost your career trajectory significantly.
- Use the 80/20 Rule: Work on the 20% of work that creates 80% of results.
- Plan Your Day: Get your most critical and impactful work done first.
- Don’t Multitask: Do one thing at a time to achieve better efficiency and quality.
8. Failure is Not the End
Failure is usually considered something bad, but actually, it’s a stepping stone to success. Most super successful individuals have failed before they became superstars.
- Love Mistakes: Make mistakes into lessons instead of focusing on them.
- Keep Moving Forward: Each “no” gets you closer to a “yes.”
- Pivot When the Situation Calls For It: Occasionally a pivot can get you to a more advantageous situation.
9. Ongoing Learning is the Secret to Enduring
The job market keeps evolving. Being relevant is simply updating your skill set continually.
- Online Coursework: Websites such as Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning provide great courses.
- Read Industry Blogs: Stay abreast of news and trends within your industry.
- Seek Certifications: Certain certifications will distinguish you in highly competitive markets.
10. Work-Life Balance is Non-Negotiable
Burnout is no myth, and there is no work worth risking your physical and mental well-being. Having a work-life balance is essential.
- Establish Boundaries: Avoid reading work email outside of the workday except when absolutely necessary.
- Prioritize Health: Rest, exercise, and self-care should never be compromised for work.
- Schedule Time for Passions: Socializing and pursuits keep you inspired and energized.
The best career secrets are not written in books; they are learned through experience, experimentation, and trial and error. Mastering networking, soft skills, negotiation, and personal branding will short-cut you to success. Always remember that your career is a marathon and not a sprint. Be flexible, continue to learn, and continually strive to get better.
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