Whether you\u2019re applying for entry-level roles or looking to be promoted to a senior position at your company, there\u2019s one critical skill for your career success\u2014a skill that will help you navigate the work world, changes in industry, or the ups and downs of your career. That skill is called career management. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Career management<\/a> is the ability to plan and take ownership of your career<\/strong>. It\u2019s about taking charge of your own professional development, finding jobs that align with your strengths, and planning your career around what matters to you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Career management skills are the building blocks of a successful career. It helps you land a job in the right industry, leverage your skills, and pivot with any changes that arise in the world of work. Having a plan in place is critical not only in the hiring process but for driving your career success. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Career management puts you in the driver\u2019s seat of your career and helps you thrive. Below, we share a few career management best practices. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Knowing your strengths is vital to managing your career. It helps you identify jobs that match your skills<\/a>. You\u2019ll be able to apply to the right jobs<\/strong>, which will mean more interviews and an increased likelihood of success. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re unsure of your career strengths, consider reading What Color Is Your Parachute?<\/em><\/a> or the CareerOneStop skills assessment<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you\u2019ve identified what areas you excel at, you can more easily talk about your strengths in interviews<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019ll be hard to find career satisfaction working in a job or at a company that fundamentally goes against your values. It could also lead to burnout. That\u2019s why it\u2019s important to find work that aligns with what matters to you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Maybe you prefer to work for a green company<\/a> that cares about the environment. Or, perhaps you would like to work for an employer that values workplace flexibility and offers perks, such as 100% remote work or hybrid jobs<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Understanding your career values will help you find work that\u2019s meaningful<\/strong> and with companies that align with what matters to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Virtual networking<\/a> (or in-person networking) is key to thriving in your career. By networking with other professionals and members of your local community, you can uncover opportunities to grow your career<\/strong> that you otherwise might not have known about. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You can also receive job referrals that put you in front of the hiring manager and share industry knowledge to help one another succeed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not sure how to build a network? FlexJobs, our sister site, has created The Ultimate Guide to Professional Networking<\/a> to help you get started. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Sure, you could do the bare minimum and still get paid. But if you\u2019re serious about getting a promotion, a raise, or standing out to recruiters, you want to put your best foot forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhy Is Career Management Important?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Tips for Managing Your Career<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Know Your Strengths<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Know Your Career Values<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Build a Robust Network<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Do Quality Work<\/h3>\n\n\n\n