Ever feel like you’d like more perspective? What is career clarity? How is it defined?

Ever feel like you’d like more perspective? What is career clarity? How is it defined?

For me, career clarity means a clearness of thought, certainty about your career direction, goals and having a clear understanding of yourself and the environment you work in.

Is this kind of clarity possible, when we see careers paths evolving?

Employment in Australia is projected to increase in 17 of the 19 broad industries outlined by the labour market information portal over the next five years to May 2023. (Labour market projections are of course subject to a degree of uncertainty.)

Add to that , the shift from career ladders to career spider webs. This is where employees typically move in a variety of directions, up, down, diagonal and/or across. Often this comes from more than just a desire for a better pay check. Both personal and professional fulfillment is increasingly a focus when considering a career path. You may have found yourself going with the flow but the new year is an excellent time to actively choose or consider your path.

Your perspectives, preferences and desires combined with varying levels of intensity mean your career clarity will be unique to you. A career defined by what makes sense to you individually.

Here are my steps to get started on crafting your career journey.

1. Start with yourself – Self assess by asking yourself the big questions.

Think about how you see the world. Define your values. What’s important to you? What do you enjoy doing? What would you like to have more time for? Assess the things that really matter to you. Consider any influences in this assessment, family, friends and your work experiences. Self-awareness helps us make the right choices in life. Self-awareness is important because it helps us to understand how we relate to people. Once you have an accurate understanding of your own beliefs and motives you can use these to define your workplace values.

Tools & Tips – There are lots of free online resources to help you assess your core values. Here are some examples:

Scott Jeffrey’s – https://scottjeffrey.com/core-values-list/

James Clear’s – https://jamesclear.com/core-values

2. Decide on your goal – Conceptualise your ideal

You may already know you want a leadership role in your field. But, remember this does not have to be a new job or promotion. It may simply be rekindling your passion for being the best you that you can be in your current role. Or you could use your professional skill and experience to mentor and benefit someone else.

Think deeply about what professional growth you are seeking. It’s ok to explore options however it is generally better in my experience to do this personally rather than sharing possible career paths with people you work with as this can hinder rather than support future internal job opportunities if managers can’t see a clear direction.

Some questions that may help are:

Are you still learning in your current role or organisation? What do you really want to accomplish? What benefits do you perceive if you reach your goal? Are you interested in secondments internally? What resources are available to you now? Are there any perceived risks? How can you improve your personal brand? (More on personal brand and raising your profile in future posts.)

Tools & Tips – I’ve found post it notes simple but effective for brainstorming. If you are struggling to define an end goal, try starting with small short-term goals. Keep asking yourself why? Your goal maybe something simple to begin with, for example a short term goal might be to start documenting your achievements this year or to ensure you have an up to date resume.

3. Evaluate your present state – Then research and compare

You will need to identify the gaps in getting to your goal. This could be in attributes, experience, skill or education. Do you know someone who has reached a similar goal as you? As you review your current place with where you want to get to, don’t forget no two journeys are ever the same.

Assess your current performance. Do you have or are you developing skills now, that will lead to where you want to be in the future? What sets you apart from your team members? Be balanced in your self-appraisal try to recognise both strengths and potential flaws. Remember no one is perfect. Remain positive in your self-assessment. Don’t rule out research to you help identify possible new career paths.

Tools & Tips – For Australian guidance try https://joboutlook.gov.au/ . This site gives you economic information about the labour market as well as a skills match tool. Check job boards or talk to recruitment agents for your industry to see what skills are being sought after in your area. How do you compare? What trends or language is being used in your industry? How do you stack up?

Some Linked in jobs will allow you to see how you match (based on your existing Linked In profile) with what they are looking for, allowing you to see skills you have already ticked the boxes for and those you haven’t.

Like anything this is a simplistic view, I’ve no doubt each step will take some time and lots of discussion but making the time will pay off in the long run. If you think you need more help consider a professional career coach or mentor. They can provide practical advice at every step of the process.

I’m actively involved in the talent community and always open to new ideas, technology and general feedback. I look forward to hearing your thoughts on this article, thanks! Alisha Hook