Cars and Careers: Both Need Maintenance

I don't know about you, but I dread taking my car for service. I don't know very much about how a car works, besides the basics like fuel makes it move. So, I feel open to being taken advantage of at the mechanic shop. However, experts tell us that if we want high engine performance, we must do preventive maintenance. It's the same for your career. Just as routine service is key to keeping your car in great running condition, continual maintenance is key to a rewarding career.

Careers must be maintained. Here are three tips on getting better mileage in your career.

1. Choose the right octane. How can you tell if you're using the right octane level? Listen to your engine. Do you feel productive and fulfilled in your work? Hmm. The knocking and rattling you hear coming from your engine may be the sound that your career doesn't fit anymore. If you're bored with what you've been doing, have no growth opportunities, or are on a sinking ship, perhaps it's time to take some small steps toward a new career. Honest self-evaluation is a good starting point. Next, begin exploring the possibilities. Finally, decide on a career path that is right for you and start taking action.
   
   
2. Keep tires inflated to proper levels. Under-inflated tires lower your gas mileage, and an outdated resume decreases your success in the job search market. Apply these up-to-date resume techniques to improve your career economy and efficiency:
   
   • Eliminate the "References Available Upon Request" line. There is no need to state the obvious and you'll save valuable space.
     
   • Delete the confining and general objective statement at the top of your resume and replace it with a qualifications summary that tells the reader at a glance who you are and what you have to offer.
     
   • Don't list every job you ever held and give each equal importance. Instead, present the experience that is relevant to the job you're applying for. Highlight current skills and recent experience that relates to what you want next. Focus on accomplishments not responsibilities. Show the reader how you match the requirements of the job.
   
   
3. Change your air filter. Air is just as crucial as fuel when it comes to powering the engine. Replacing a clogged air filter improves acceleration time. Likewise, constantly updating your skill set is critical to how far you go and how quickly you get there. Never stop educating yourself. If you don't have the skills to move ahead, you'll get left behind. What new skills have you developed in the last six months? What have you done to expand the scope of your job duties. Stay on the cutting-edge of whatever you do so you don't lose your competitive advantage.
   

Career success requires regular maintenance, but don't rely on someone else to take care of your career. Take charge of it yourself. Maintaining your career ensures you stay challenged, current, and competitive.