How Self-Evaluation Can Help You Excel in Your Career
Career success doesn’t happen by accident.You need a solid plan to work your way up the ladder, so be honest with yourself about what you want and where you currently stand.
Many companies require employees to perform a self-assessment on an annual basis — at minimum — which is often viewed as a taxing formality. In reality it’s anything but. This activity can prove invaluable, so take time to evaluate yourself, even if it isn’t mandated by your boss. Many people who complete this task don’t take it seriously, so you’ll gain a competitive advantage by taking the time to do it right.
Gauge Your Strengths and Weaknesses
Your best career choice is something you’re good at, that you also enjoy. Find your niche by taking inventory of your strengths and weaknesses. Individually, these qualities might not be too surprising, but when put together on the same page, they’ll tell a story. This can provide clarity on career paths you should consider pursuing and those that might not be in your best interest.
You might find the direction you thought you were headed isn’t the right match for your strengths. It’s much better to realize this now, so you can readjust and focus your efforts on an area where you can really make a difference.
Set Career Goals
After you’ve assessed your talents, you can make a well-informed decision about your future. Instead of basing your career plan on a job that sounds good on paper, feel confident in knowing you’ve chosen something you’re passionate about that also plays to your best abilities.
Now that you’ve established an end goal, start laying the groundwork to make it happen. Create a roadmap detailing how you’ll move up the ladder. For example, you can’t shift directly from entry-level to CEO, so identify the types of opportunities you’ll need to obtain to achieve your goals. Moving aimlessly between jobs will result in nothing but a whole lot of useless experience, so get on track and stay there.
Fill the Gaps
Now that you know where you’re headed, use your self-evaluation to figure out what skills you’ll need to acquire to advance in your field. This may involve heading back to school, asking your boss for more responsibility, or even finding a new job.
Being able to admit you need to learn and grow your skills is a huge step, because you won’t get very far in your career — or life — if you’re not willing to admit you don’t know everything. It might take years to acquire the knowledge needed to land your dream job, so sit back and enjoy the journey. When you choose a career path you truly enjoy, learning feels very fulfilling.
Your career is on the rise, so consider teaming up with a partner who has your best interests in mind. If you would like to learn more about how we can help you find your next behavioral health position, contact us today at (513) 651-9500 or by email at [email protected].