Five people to boost your career
CAREER Although strong technical skills and experience are critical for job
achievements and progression, it’s also about who you know – and how you leverage those relationships to help move your career forward. Antoine Lamy shares insight on five key people who can help boost your career
1 An ex work colleague Staying in touch with ex-work col-
leagues can open the door to newcareer opportunities. Having worked with you before, former colleagues have first-hand experience of your professional strengths and abilities and they could be your best referee.With a goodunderstandingof how you work and your cultural fit within a team, they can keep an eye out for jobs that may suit you and provide a strong referral when an opportunity arises. It’s easy to stay in touchwith past colleagues through professional networking sites like LinkedIn, so be sure to maintain the connection and let themknowwhen you are in the market for a new role.
ment and support of a goodmentor is one of the most valuable career advance- ment tools you can have. A trusted and experienced mentor can advise you on how to progress within your existing company, or make themove to a newone. With a strong network of their own, your mentor can also let you knowof suitable job openings that arise, introduce you to potentially relevant people from a pro- fessional perspective, and provide refer- ences. Organise regular catch-ups with yourmentor to discuss a range of career topics, including your career aspirations, and to keep the relationship strong.
2 3 Your manager If you want to progress within your
current company, it is critical to have the support of yourmanager. Your boss is the person that will make your promotion happen, so make it easy for them to sup- portyoubyensuringtheyareawareofyour
Your mentor Having the guidance, encourage-
career aspirations and your key achieve- ments.Let themknowhowyouhaveadded realvalueto thecompany,andremindthem of the extra responsibilitiesyouhave taken onto expandyour skill set andexperience. Talk to your manager about your career goals and development every quarter so they canhelp youreachthem. Youshould also actively groom your successor from dayoneandhaveasuccession planin place to ease the transitionwhenyouleave for a better opportunity.
4 Your family Believe it or not, your family is an
important member of your professional network, froma social perspective. Your parents, siblings or partner can help spread the word about you to friends, family and colleagues of their ownwhen you’re look- ing for a newrole, and provide a glowing referral of your attributes.Ona personal level, career growth involves having a clear direction and confi-
INFO
dence in your abilities. As someonewho has known you all your life, they are in a strong position to remind you of your true strengths and successes to date, and provide encouragement andmotivation to propel you towards your career goals.
Antoine Lamy is a Director of Page
Personnel in Singapore. Page Personnel is a leading professional recruitment consultancy specialising in the recruitment of permanent, contract and temporary positions on behalf of the world’s top employers. As part of Michael Page International, Page Personnel leverages over two decades of recruitment expertise and business networking in the Asia Pacific region.
support for your ambitions and goals, you can’t go past your best friend. As they are often separate from your professional life, they can help you see workplace challenges froma fresh perspective, and encourage you to persistwhen times get a little tough. They are a constant cham- pion for your success; instillingconfidence in your skills and encouraging you to strive for your next promo- tion or to secure a great new role. You can also leverage your best friend’s networks when on the lookout for a new job, and enlist their helpwhen practising your pitch for a pro- motion or pay rise. E
5 2012 ISSUETWO |
WWW.EXECUTIVEPA.ASIA 45 Your best friend When it comes to unconditional
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