10 Simple Steps to Boost Your Career Today: Expert Tips from Kyle Elliott
Kyle Elliott, MPA, CHES runs CaffeinatedKyle.com. His goal is simple – to help people find jobs they LOVE (or at least tolerate). This help takes many forms, from Career and Life Coaching to resumes and cover letters to interview prep and salary negotiation. Kyle loves coffee (if you couldn’t tell), writing and eating the same thing at different restaurants. Connect with him on LinkedIn where you’ll often find him talking about work, life, and Starbucks.
Taking the next step in your career doesn’t have to be a monumental gesture. Often little acts can make big impacts. Here are 10 of my favorite career boosters that can be done in a single sitting:
1. Listen to a podcast.
I’ve just recently become obsessed with podcasts. I’m on the computer a lot for my business, so I don’t always have time to read industry articles. Podcasts allow me to quickly digest industry knowledge while simultaneously washing the dishes or getting ready for my day.
One of my favorite career-related podcasts is Head Boss in Charge with Shimina Harris and Paul Renolis. Also, check out podcasts specific to your industry. If you’re into marketing, for example, I highly suggest Marketing School with Neil Patel and Eric Siu (I definitely shrieked when Neil responding to my LinkedIn message saying it was OK to cite him in this article!).
2. Follow career and recruiting experts on LinkedIn.
A few of my favorite people to follow on LinkedIn are Wendi Weiner, Adam Karpiak and Tejal Wagadia. Bonus points if you don’t just follow them, but also engage with their content!
3. Let recruiters know you’re open to new opportunities.
LinkedIn has a handy feature that allows you to notify recruiters you’re open to opportunities without notifying your current employer. While not all recruiters pay attention to this box, many do. You can tick the box here and include a personal message to recruiters along with the types of jobs, industries and companies you’re interested in.
4. Update Your LinkedIn Headline
After your profile photo, your LinkedIn headline is one of the first items hiring managers and recruiters see on your profile. Madeline Mann of the Self Made Millennial YouTube Channel suggests using this formula to maximize the number of search appearances you appear in:
{Role} | {Industry/Expertise} | {Unique Value}
5. Invite someone you admire to coffee.
Earlier this year, I shared how drinking lattes (AKA networking) helped me land not one, not two, not three, but four jobs. I challenge you to invite someone you admire to coffee and see what happens. Here’s a sample outreach message:
“Hello {Their First Name}, I hope this message finds you fabulously. I’m really interested in learning more about the work you do at {Company Name}. Do you have 20 minutes for a networking phone call or to grab coffee and share more about what it’s like working at {Company Name}? ~ {Your First Name}”
6. Join a Facebook group.
Facebook groups are a great way to connect with people who share similar interests as you. One of my favorite groups is Mentors & Mentees. The group’s purpose is “to foster an international community of students and professionals who want to support each other for life and career fulfillment.”
Keep in mind that you get out of Facebook groups what you put into them. The same applies to your job search in general. You’ll be far more successful if you begin by helping others before asking others to help you.
7. Practice your elevator pitch.
You never know when someone will ask, “Tell me about yourself.” Often times, this is in an informal setting, but nonetheless an important opportunity to share your experience and skills.
If you’re job hunting, definitely mention it in your elevator pitch! Aim for 60 – 90 seconds and focus on your Unique Value Proposition (UVP). If you’re really courageous, videotape yourself practicing your elevator pitch and then watch it.
8. If you’re job searching, tell someone. Tell everybody.
If people don’t know you’re job searching, they can’t help you. But don’t just say, “I’m job searching.” Be specific — “I’m looking for marketing coordinator jobs within the high-tech space. Do you have a few minutes to sit down and brainstorm people you may be able to introduce me to for a tour of their campus?”
Be sure to tell your family and friends if you’re job searching. People often forget to network with those they are closest to. Don’t make the same mistake.
9. Follow up on pending applications.
If it’s been more than two weeks since you submitted a job application, follow up. Tuesday through Thursday tend to be the best days for follow-up. Before you follow up, be sure to check the job posting for the application timeline and any communication directions.
10. Schedule a consultation with a career expert.
Any reputable career coach will offer a free, no-obligation consultation to explore what is and isn’t working in your job search. While friends and family can be helpful, they’ll often give the advice you want to hear, not the advice you need to hear. A career coach will dive deeper and often give you the TLC your career needs.
