Factors of Career Success

By its very definition, success and how we get there is subjective.  My definition of success now is totally different from what it was 5 or 6 years ago.  Also, my definition of success varies from that of my friends and family.

For the longest time, my father wanted me to be a lawyer, but I ended up studying business instead.  Just because I’m not an attorney, doesn’t mean that I haven’t reached a satisfactory level of success in my life.

When it comes to skills that employers value and seek in an employee, there are certain skills/factors that an individual has to have to be considered for potential job opportunities.

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Here are a few factors that employers consider vital.

Basic Skills

Employers are looking for individuals with basic fundamental skills.  Can you read well, can you think on your feet are you able to write coherently?  These are all basic skills that employers look for.

Personal Skills

Everyone isn’t going to be an extrovert.  If that’s not in your nature, don’t try to be.  It will come off as fake and rehearsed.  Successful employees can work well in a group, and communicate well with others.  This is done in a non-confrontational manner that puts everyone around them at ease.  You can still be personable even though you may not be social by nature.  Do what works for you.

Job Survival

Everyday in the workplace you are having to prove your worth.  The ones that usually receive the ax when things start going sideways are the ones that haven’t shown why they should be kept on board.

Take every effort to show your manager or supervisor on a daily basis what value you bring to the team and to the organization.  When pink slips start going around, you would have demonstrated why you’re the one to keep, and why Susie is the one they should let go.

Professional Development

This is something that I am a huge advocate of and proponent for.  Successful individuals are never above learning.  They are always attending seminars, workshops or conferences. Anything to help them get that advantage.  Staying informed will help you stay employed longer and make you more marketable in your career.

Career Development

Career development differs from personal development in that career development is more about planning and goal setting.  Successful individuals design long term and short term goals and put action steps together to help them achieve those goals. Solid career progression is a great selling point to prospective employers.