5 Smart Moves to Get Ahead in the Workplace Today
You’re ambitious, hardworking, and ready to take your career to the next level—but so is everyone else. In today’s competitive job market, simply doing good work isn’t enough. The professionals who stand out are the ones who make strategic moves and continuously invest in their growth.
So, how can you accelerate your career and rise above the competition? Let's dive in.
1. Build a Network Before You Need It
Your network is your net worth. The most successful professionals don’t wait until they need a new job to start making connections—they build relationships continuously. Why? Because opportunities don’t always come from job postings; they often come from people who know, trust, and recommend you.
Here’s how to network with intention:
Engage on LinkedIn – Comment on industry posts, share insights, and connect with professionals in your field.
Attend industry events and conferences – Even if you’re introverted, commit to attending at least one event per quarter.
Set up coffee chats – Reaching out to a professional for a 15-minute virtual coffee chat can open doors to new opportunities.
2. Find (and Leverage) a Mentor
A great mentor can help you navigate your career, avoid costly mistakes, and introduce you to valuable opportunities. But mentorship isn’t just about getting advice—it’s about taking action on that advice.
How to Find the Right Mentor:
Look within your company – Identify a senior leader whose career path aligns with your goals.
Join professional groups – Many industries have mentorship programs or networking groups that connect experienced professionals with young talent.
Engage on LinkedIn – Follow thought leaders and reach out with thoughtful questions about their career journey.
How to Make the Most of a Mentorship:
✔️ Be proactive—come prepared with questions and updates on your progress.
✔️ Apply their advice and share your results.
✔️ Show gratitude and look for ways to add value to the relationship.
Identify a potential mentor and reach out today with:
"I admire your career journey, and I’d love to learn from your insights. Would you be open to a quick chat? I’d really appreciate your perspective."
3. Master the Soft Skills That Get You Promoted
Hard skills get you hired. Soft skills get you promoted. While technical expertise is important, leadership potential is what sets high performers apart from the rest.
Key Soft Skills to Develop:
Emotional Intelligence (EQ): Understand how to manage your emotions and read the emotions of others.
Communication: Learn to express ideas clearly, persuasively, and confidently.
Problem-Solving: Show initiative by identifying challenges and proposing solutions.
Adaptability: Be open to change and willing to embrace new ways of working.
💡 Pro Tip: Ask your manager or colleagues for feedback on one soft skill you can improve, and create an action plan to develop it.
4. Align Your Work with Leadership Priorities
One of the biggest mistakes young professionals make? Focusing only on individual tasks without seeing the bigger picture. If you want to stand out, you need to think like a leader.
How to Align with Leadership Goals:
✔️ Understand company priorities – Read company reports, listen to leadership talks, and ask smart questions.
✔️ Identify key business challenges – What problems are executives focused on solving?
✔️ Take initiative – Proactively suggest ideas or solutions that contribute to company goals.
✔️ Show impact – Track your results and communicate how your work contributes to the company’s success.
Actionable Step: Schedule a one-on-one with your manager to discuss the company’s big-picture goals and ask how you can contribute more strategically.
5. Work with a Recruiter Who Opens Doors
Sometimes, the best career moves happen when you’re in the right place at the right time. But how do you find those opportunities? That’s where a recruiter comes in.
Why Work with a Recruiter?
Access Hidden Opportunities: Many top-tier jobs aren’t publicly listed.
Career Coaching & Resume Help: A good recruiter will help refine your resume and interview skills.
Faster Career Growth: We connect you with companies that actively invest in employee development.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
At Riverway, we find the right person for the right job. If you want to level up your career but aren’t sure where to start, check out open positions on our website today!
