There comes a time in most professionals’ lives when they need a little advice. Maybe you are thinking about changing jobs, you are looking for ways to improve professionally, or maybe you are just starting out and trying to etch your career path. In these, and many other instances, getting some advice can be just what you need.
But remember, all advice is not necessarily good advice. There is no shortage of people willing to offer you some career guidance. Some of it is very good and insightful, and just as much can be not all that helpful or potentially harmful to your career aspirations.
Don’t worry, we have you covered!
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We talked to some of our experienced recruiters at our Toronto recruitment agency to see what career advice they would offer up to candidates looking to make a move or plan their career. Here’s what they had to say:
1. Be nice to everyone
Being a nice person can open up a lot of doors. Treat everyone with respect regardless of their experience, tenure, or standing in the organization. People remember those who treat them well. And you never know who you will encounter in the future as your career progresses.
2. Get comfortable with feeling uncomfortable
It’s important to venture outside of your comfort zone. Take on new challenges and put yourself in situations that make you nervous. It’s in these situations where you will build confidence, learn, and grow the most.
3. Never stop learning
Change is a given. Things will always change in your job, industry, and career. You can better equip yourself for change by continuing to add new skills and knowledge. Take professional development courses, add new certifications, and always be looking for ways to make yourself a better professional in your field.
4. Build trust
Keeping your word will help you build trust with your network. Set deadlines you will deliver on and never overpromise or underdeliver. Always be honest with the people you work with. This will be appreciated.
5. Use your voice
Don’t be afraid to voice your ideas and concerns. You never know when one of your ideas or your input can have a significant impact. The more you speak during meetings and at opportune times, the more people will get to know you and value what you have to say.
6. Ask for help
Everyone needs help sometimes. No one has all the answers, and you won’t be able to do everything by yourself. So, don’t be afraid to ask for assistance when you need it. And don’t shy away from offering to help others when they need a helping hand.
7. Value feedback
Receiving feedback will help you grow as a professional. It’s important to learn how to take constructive criticism without taking it personally. You can learn a lot from your peers and management if you listen to their suggestions. Applying the feedback you receive will help you progress and move forward in your career.
8. Be reliable
Reliability is often overlooked, but it’s an invaluable trait to be known for. Companies are always looking for people they can count on to show up for work and consistently do a good job. Develop a reputation for being dependable.
Get more career advice from our Toronto recruitment agency
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IQ PARTNERS is an Executive Search & Recruitment firm supporting clients across the country. We help companies hire better, hire less & retain more. We have specialist teams of recruiters in Executive Search / Board & C-Suite, Technology, Media, Digital & Marketing, Accounting & Finance, Financial Services & Insurance, Cannabis, Startup, Data Science, Consumer, eCommerce & Retail, Operations & HR, Manufacturing, Supply Chain & Engineering, Legal & Professional Services, Pharmaceutical & Life Sciences, Non-Profit & Sustainability, and Sales. Click here to view current job openings and to register with us.