Career Center - Tips and Advice

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Do not derail your career by making these 5 mistakes

Ever feel like you are doing everything right, but just cannot seem to get ahead at work? You could be making one of these five common mistakes.
 
Networking with peers, missing out on job opportunities, salary negotiations gone awry are some such mistakes. Here we help you recognise these habits and keep your ambitions on track. 
 
Ignoring networking
You might think keeping your head down and getting your job done is enough, but that is only part of the job. You also need to pay attention to your relationships with your co-workers.
 
"While it seems rational that people should only be judged on their performance, the reality is that interpersonal relationships matter just as much as performance in most cases,” says Mark Goldman, a CPA at MGR Accounting Recruiters. Networking with peers has become a crucial factor to succeed in career.
 
Salary negotiation 
Management is well aware employee salary choices are often tied to personal circumstances, but that does not mean you should ask for an unrealistic figure when you are negotiating.
 
While it is wise to not ask for an unrealistic raise, it is also advisable to not under value yourself. Scout through information/insights to know the current salary standards in your domain. Negotiate on a figure which will have a positive effect on you personally, and the company. If you are only focused on how you can help yourself, your career will suffer.
 
Don't miss on opportunities
When you are searching for jobs, it is very important to know where to look and tap on current job opportunities. Even if you are not actively looking for a job change, it is sensible to know what is happening in the market.  You would not like to pass on a dream opportunity in your dream company, would you? 
 
Operating with a noticeable lack of engagement
Keep yourself engaged and busy in your work life. Meet and network with people, recommend peers for assignments if you come across any, take part in office activities, amongst others. Engagement is taking steps to make things happen instead of waiting for an invitation or opportunity to fall in your lap.
 
“If you are being consistently proactive in your career, someone is bound to notice,” explains HR4Change founder Tony Deblauwe. “They will definitely notice if you are not. If your boss or others are constantly giving you direction or reminding you of tasks to be completed, you will be marginalized as a low performer quickly.”
 
Not dressing to impress
Whether you like it or not, your appearance matters, so you need to pay attention to your clothes, hair and accessories, and ensure they are appropriate. 
 
“At work, you don not just represent yourself. At work, you are a walking/talking advertisement for your company’s brand,” says Carlota Zimmerman, head of Creativity Yenta. “Therefore, if you look like you dressed in the dark, and/or during a fire, if you look like an extra in a particularly melodramatic music video, you are sending a message that you do not take yourself, your professional goals or your company seriously.”