Career Development FAQ's 

Searching for a job, or developing or changing your career can be difficult.  We are often asked common questions about career development, including:

What steps can I take in planning my career?

The first step in career planning is thinking about your needs and establishing what your priorities are in life.  Doing something of interest or that you enjoy is important for long term satisfaction and fulfilment.

Like any long term goal - planning is essential.  A career plan will help you to establish direction, outline possibilities and measure progress.  Whenever implementing a long-term plan it's important to ask yourself:

  1. What are my long-term career objectives?
  2. What do I want to be doing?
  3. What do I enjoy doing the most?
  4. What do I enjoy doing the least?

It is important to ascertain the gaps between where you are and where you want to be. What will you need to do to get you there (i.e. industry experience? further study? take a pay cut?)

Once you have worked out possible gaps, establish a set of steps or short-term goals with timeframes.

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How do I negotiate a pay rise?

Negotiating a pay rise may seem tricky, but it is important to have the right information before you approach your manager.

Key actions:

Be aware that a pay rise may depend issues outside your control, such as the economic factors, the company making a profit and industry trends.

Make a list of reasons why you deserve a pay rise.  How did your performance directly contribute to the company's success?

  • Know your worth in the market.  Review salary surveys and similar jobs.  
  • Remember that remuneration means more than salary.  When looking at your total package consider mobile phone, laptop, car parking, extra superannuation, discounts.  There may be opportunity to negotiate a better package rather than an increase in salary.
  • Make a time to sit down with your Manager, discuss all the reasons openly and honestly and give them a time frame to respond within.  It is better when your Manager isn't rushed because the first reaction might be No!

Be prepared for either response!  If you don't receive a pay rise then you need to find out why.  If you didn't receive a pay rise due to economic or performance reasons, ask for your salary to be reviewed in another six months.

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What should I consider when changing jobs?

Don't change jobs just for the sake of it, for the lure of more money or better conditions without fully investigating your options.  You need to gain as much information about the new role as possible and have a real think about what your current role/employer offers you.  Remember, the grass isn't always greener on the other side!

Consider what you want from your job that you aren't currently getting.  A few questions to ask yourself may be:

  • What do I really like doing?
  • What am I good at?
  • What do I least enjoy doing?
  • What do I want to start doing more of?
  • What appeals to me about the new role compared with my current role?

When you start considering these things, determine whether there any way your current job or employer could develop you in the areas you are interested in?  Chances are, if you talk about these issues with your current employer, they may be able to find ways to help you facilitate a change in job responsibilities.  If your current employer is not open to these discussions, or they are unable to provide you want you are looking for, then an external opportunity may be the best option.

Think about what the new company can offer you that you do not currently get.  What are the working conditions?  What are the company values?  Are there any additional benefits for working for the new company?

Only when you have all the information can you make a considered and informed decision.

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Do I need to provide references from my current employer?

It is important when you are looking for a new job to have a list of referees ready to contact.  Employers understand the need for confidentiality and privacy, which means it is not always possible to provide a reference from your current employer without jeopardising your job.

If you are currently employed and don't not want your manager to know you are looking, ask a trusted colleague or professional acquaintance in the company who may provide a reference.  Make sure you choose carefully and explain your reasons for confidentiality.

You should always have 3-4 previous employers, professional acquaintances or ex-colleagues who you can call upon to be your reference.  Make sure that if you do use them as a reference, you have talked to them and they have agreed to be a referee.  Let them know the job you are going for and to expect a call.

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