Are you getting into a rut in your current position? Are you stuck in the daily habit of routine? Do you want more out of your career?

You have had such a great holiday with family and friends that you had forgotten about this little thing called work. Starting a new year can raise questions about the reasons you are still in your current position. Rise above the position that you are in at the moment and do something about your dissatisfaction. Taking action is the most powerful thing that we can do. Form the habit of looking around - keeping your eye on the job market and what it has to offer. Update your resume so that you are prepared. Do some research on how others are getting ahead. Who did they get advice from? What did they do? Where are they now working? When did they decide to make the change? Why did they choose this year to get moving with their career? It is important that if you see an opportunity then you must apply for it without hesitation. As the saying goes, leap and the net will appear!

As part of my learning it has been mentioned the difference between specialising and generalising in a particular career. Think about doctors for example, the general practitioner earns far less than a specialist. I am sure you can all relate to this. If you have a specific ailment you will pay for a specialist who has the knowledge and experience to solve your problem. A specialist is a trusted advisor and is well respected in the field. Now, how does this relate to careers?

Think back to your position at the moment. Is it a specialised role that would be in demand? If not, what further education would you be willing to undertake to become the specialist? Or, who do you have in your network that could assist you with the specific knowledge so that it reflects positively on you?

Employers look upon candidates more favourably if they have taken the initiative to undertake further study. More importantly, if they have done it in their own time and paid for it themselves. As human beings, we value things more if we have paid for them! Employers see candidates who do this as highly ambitious and have the qualities of a leader. Isn't this what we want?

A unique method of applying for work
How much effort do you place in applying for work? Are your efforts getting you the results that you want? There comes a time when a new approach or a different way of looking for work is required. You have tried many different ways yet you are still in the same position. Have you researched what skills are in demand in your industry? What are your competitors up to in the market? How could solving their problems allow you to move easily and effortlessly into a new role with a higher salary? Take some time out, do some research - make a few phone calls and take some notes. This knowledge will also keep you one step ahead of other candidates who simply apply and wait. Imagine being able to identify their problems and a solution. Imagine being able to demand a higher salary than ever before through the implementation of this knowledge. I challenge you - research and let me know what happens! Get the job you apply for first time and at a salary set by you!

Your earning capacity
Who are your five closest friends or relatives? It has been said that you are limited in your earnings to the average of your five closest friends. Do the sums. How does it measure up? Is that the capacity that you would like to earn or is there an opportunity for you to broaden your network to include people who are earning what you want to earn? If something isn't moving you closer towards your ideal career then it needs to be changed through taking action.

Kelly Treloar is a Career Specialist and founder of Find Your Perfect Career - providing an opportunity for clients to explore their career options and take the necessary steps to make their goals a reality. Kelly also help clients with resume preparation, selection criteria and interview skills. For more information please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it