You’re a fabulous engineer. You’re putting in the hours. You’re doing a great job. You get along with your colleagues. And somehow you’re passed over for promotions.
Are you accidentally sabotaging your career prospects?
Here are five things that could be holding you back: and the best ways to fix them.
Problem: You’re the “go to” person for getting things done.
This may seem a good thing but being constantly available makes you indispensable in your current role. Promoting you risks putting someone less reliable in your place.
Solution: Delegate. This is a winning strategy on two fronts. First, it shows you’re working to capacity. Second, it showcases your leadership skills and allows colleagues to get familiar with your role, ready to step in when you move.
Problem: Wearing emotions on your sleeve.
There’s a difference between being passionate and behaving like a soap opera diva. Going off like a rocket is bad news. You’re becoming known as The Firecracker: someone who can’t manage their feelings.
Solution: Keep a lid on emotions and remain professional. If this involves walking away from a situation or delaying an email before sending it, do so. Be cool!
Problem: Riding your boss’s coat tails.
Having a manager who values your work is a great asset. It can, however, harm your chances within the company. If you’re aligned too closely, your career will be influenced by your boss’s. Great news, if they get promoted, not so good if they leave the company.
Solution: Step out of your boss’s shadow and let your light shine. Accept engineering projects on other teams to show you’re versatile.
Problem: Not preparing for your appraisal.
Perhaps it’s in-built modesty but many people find their annual appraisal the height of awkwardness. Let’s just get this over with? Big mistake. You’re selling yourself short.
Solution: Your boss can’t be expected to remember all the fabulous things you’ve achieved, so lay it out in technicolour. It’s also the time to talk about future goals.
Problem: You’ve been with a company so long, you’ve become known as the person who does such and such. No matter how hard you try, it’s harder to move Grampa Jack from his armchair than shift that association.
Solution: Applying for a new engineering role on s1jobs can allow you to break the shackles of other people’s perceptions. It offers a great chance to enjoy new challenges and accelerate your career.
Seize your next opportunity in Engineering with s1jobs.