Ever felt like something was holding you back at work?
Not quite managed to reach the career goals you set yourself, back in the day?
Ever considered that you might be your own worst enemy?
There are some common traits, attitudes & habits that tend to hold people back during their job search and/or as they progress through their career at work...
Are you one of them?
1. Lack of Confidence.
If you don’t have confidence in yourself then it will be a barrier throughout your entire career…
- Perhaps you’re too afraid to apply for that senior position; “why bother, I won’t get it anyway?”
What on earth have you got to lose? If anything, the employer will be impressed with your gumption, determination and ambition.
- Maybe you’re worried that making a bad decision at work will get you sacked? “Better just play it safe instead.”
- Or do you find yourself looking (and asking) for constant approval from your boss before following through? “It’s their fault then, when things go wrong!”
Employers are much more likely to value someone who puts themselves out there, is willing to take a risk and will stand by their decisions – and they also know that people will occasionally make mistakes!
As long as you can (confidently) back up your (good) reasons for doing something, it’s unlikely that you’ll ever “get in trouble.”
Think about it; do you really think the most successful businesses in the world have played it safe?
Check out this article to find out how you can start becoming more confident.
2. Procrastination.
Do you find yourself saying “it’s just not the right time, yet…” a lot?
I’ve got news for you: there will NEVER be a ‘right time.’
There will always be some sort of excuse for not sending that application, not accepting that promotion and not taking part in that training course that will further your career.
If you’re going to do – do it now.
You never know what’s around the corner, but taking that first step will only lead to more and more opportunities.
Click here to check out an article all about avoiding procrastination.
3. Being unsociable.
Business is all about building positive relationship with others.
Being well-liked will offer the following benefits…
- You’ll become happier & more engaged with a business - your output and productivity will soar.
- You’ll have more influence – people are much more likely to support someone they know, trust and genuinely like.
- Your boss will be impressed – if you can get on well with other people, it shows good teamwork and/or an ability to lead (no one wants to be managed by someone anti-social) it’s just another reason to give you that promotion.
(And before you say anything, yes I’m sure there are some people out there who have made it, without giving a toss about other human beings… but they are in the minority, really.)
So if you’re the type of person who hides yourself away, with little interaction and excuses that by saying ‘I’m just getting my head down’ – you could be doing damage to your career.
To find out more about this topic – click here!
4. Technophobia.
Some people seem to think that technology is a choice.
These self-confessed “technophobes” may “get by” right now, but what happens in 10 years when everything has progressed so much that the simplest of tasks is almost impossible?
It may be fine if you’ve reached the peak of your career – but what if you still want to rise through the ranks? You’re going to be at a disadvantage if you can’t use the same tools as everyone else.
Don’t get left behind.
Check out this blog to find out more about about getting over your technophobia!
5. Perfectionism.
We always warn our candidates NOT to say that cringe-worthy line: ‘I’m a perfectionist’ in interviews when they’re asked for their ‘greatest weakness.’
But the truth is; it can be a real barrier for some people.
If you wait for everything to be perfect all the time; you’ll just never get anything done.
“Excellent and complete” beats “perfect and incomplete” every time.
6. A Sense of Entitlement.
Unfortunately some people believe that their dream job/s should be handed to them on a plate.
The problem is – that’s not how it works for most of us!
You might have to start at the bottom (or the middle) and you might have to do some jobs that you’re not necessarily chuffed to bits with - and slowly work your way up.
Suck it up and make the most of that opportunity regardless…
- Are there other roles you could take on, to prove yourself to management?
- Can you get those “menial tasks” done quicker and move onto more rewarding things?
- How can you use that time to develop your skills and knowledge?
Future Managers will respect you more for doing it this way anyway; it proves you have a good work ethic.
Are you sabotaging your own career?
You’d be surprised how many people do – and to be honest most of the things we’ve mentioned above are just easily fixable, attitude issues.
But of course, sometimes you need a little nudge to recognise the problem in the first place!
Recruiter Pro Tip There are of course other things that could be holding you back during your job search…
- Is your CV up-to-scratch?
- Have you worked on your interview technique?
- What about your social media profiles?
Click on the respective links above for more info – or click here to browse our career and job-seeking advice for yourself.
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Good luck.
