The business world is always changing, and one of the biggest shifts of recent years is how easy it has become to move up the career ladder or switch careers entirely. It’s more and more acceptable for people to try on a number of different jobs right after graduation as they look for the right fit. Others will change fields several times in their lifetimes. Career adaptability is now an in-demand skill-set for a number of reasons.
What Does Career Adaptability Mean For You?
People who have mastered career adaptability can handle a wide variety of workplace challenges and anticipate future problems before they happen. These job seekers also understand how to leverage their skills across multiple industries and utilize it to suit their lifestyle best. People of every age and background can develop this skill-set.
How Can Career Adaptability Lead to a Great Job?
The job market is unpredictable. Being flexible on your career path can lead to higher job satisfaction. If your goal is to achieve a certain position in a specific company, you may be setting yourself up for disappointment. However, if you have a broader goal to use your talents to their fullest and be compensated fairly, you’ll see many opportunities open up for you. The benefits can include:
- lower levels of stress
- increased overall satisfaction in your work
- bouncing back quickly in the face of job changes
- building a recession-proof resume with an attractive array of skills
What Does Career Adaptability Require?
Career adaptability is the product of a number of skills and personality traits that you can grow over time. It’s important that you keep your eyes on both your short term and long term goals. Some good skills and traits to develop include:
- building a strong network
- being forward-thinking
- having curiosity about aspects of your field
- always learning new skills
- having the confidence to take risks
- knowing how to turn setbacks into opportunities
How Can You Become a Career Chameleon
- Start by picturing a future that isn’t tied to a specific job title.
- Brainstorm different ways to get there.
- Break down your career path into stepping stones and tackle them one at a time.
- Come up with contingency plans in case your circumstances change.
- Keep an eye on other job markets and fields, in your town and other places, to see if a great opportunity pops up.
- Keep your resume up-to-date an emphasize universal skills that will be attractive in many fields.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for an outside opinion on what you may need to change or improve on.
- Network with people in a variety of fields and experience levels.
- Leave a job on good terms; your former employer and coworkers may be valuable contacts in the future.
Career Adaptability in a World Without Guarantees
Ultimately, career adaptability is about focusing on the life you want to build, not on any particular job title. The employment market always has and always will throw curve balls. You will be able to dodge them and keep your life on track to achieving your goals if you have a flexible, proactive mindset.
Find a Flexible Career Track Through Ad-VANCE Talent Solutions
Ad-VANCE is one of the Gulf Coast’s leading staffing agencies. We have 30 years’ experience as a temp agency sarasota connecting job seekers with positions in many fields. Contact us today to see what opportunities are available in diverse areas including Governmental positions, Healthcare, Hospitality, and more.