1. Clean Up What's Collecting Dust

Let’s start by clearing out what’s no longer working. We want your career story to be told and catch the attention of those who need to hear it.  

For my young professionals out there, keep your resume clean and clear with a one page maximum.

The same goes for your cover letter. It’s tempting to fit every experience into your resume — believe me, I’ve been there and done that. In the words of one of my former teachers, you don’t want the person reading it to be in a bad mood because it’s too long. When it’s too long, most people will skip through it even faster. That’s not ideal. 

💡 Career experts agree; cover letters aren’t always required, but a strong one can make all the difference in your job search.

For everyone else, it’s always good to keep the most recent and relevant experiences on your resume and highlight specific instances in your cover letters. Understandably, some people have significant gaps in time in their professional careers. In those cases, prioritize relevant experiences. If there happen to be other jobs or professional experiences since then that can be highlighted, let that job you had straight after your last year of school take a backseat.

Now that we’ve got the main bullet points in place, it’s time to make sure that your resume sounds sleek and modern.

Here are some examples of tired and dated sentence phrases:

These tired phrases are holding your career story hostage. It’s time to kick them to the curb and make space for what really counts. We’ll give an example about how to revitalize phrases like this in the next section, so keep reading.

A man with a pick axe clearing out a cave to get to a diamond on the left

2. Keep the Gems

What’s still working for you? That introduction might have been collecting dust for a few years, but at one point it accurately described your abilities and career story. Take the tone or a certain word and refresh it.

🕰 Have you always been good with time-management? Update the wording so that strength finally gets the credit it deserves. 

Before (dusty old intro):“I am a detail-oriented professional with strong time-management skills and a commitment to teamwork.”

After (much better):“A natural multitasker who thrives in fast-paced environments, I balance deadlines, projects, and collaboration with ease. Busy days become my success stories” (a perfect segue to an example of such a success story)

Of course, there isn’t anything wrong with the first introduction. It gets the job done with no extra fluff. In full transparency, the AI that reads it first won’t notice anything amiss. The only thing missing?

(It’s kind of important.) 

It’s your voice. Once your resume and cover letter make it past the initial rounds, which it will, a real person will be scanning cover letter after cover letter. You want to make it stick in their minds. This is your chance to stand out in a clean and memorable way! Make it count.

For more on how to make your resume and cover letter ATS-friendly, click here.

Young woman holding a pink pencil with clean scribbling under it with text saying: Rewrite the Script

3. Rewrite the Script

I have an even easier solution for you. 

Imagine not going through your cover letter and resume and rewriting every little thing about your career. 

You don’t have to imagine it. With Hardly, input your old cover letter and resume along with some key words about what you want your new cover letter or resume to sound like into our cover letter and resume builders. Within minutes, you’ll have a brand-new, clutter-free, and ATS-friendly cover letter and resume ready to submit.

Worried about tone? You don’t have to be. Our AI enhances all text to sound exactly how you want it to. And guess what? All of Hardly’s tools are customizable to your needs. Use what you want, leave behind what you don’t.

arrow pointing to cut out magazine letters spelling out "change"

4. Clear the Way for Change

Here’s your Hardly toolkit:

  • Resume Builder –  Match resumes to job descriptions instantly so you can apply with confidence and clarity. Hardly tailors the structure and content to position you for success.
  • Cover Letter Builder – You can pick any job description, and generate a cohesive and polished cover letter within seconds that tells your career story. Enhance the cover letter with Hardly’s AI button. 
  • Job Application Tracker – Track applications, identify next steps, and coach with confidence using Hardly’s real-time job tracking tool
  • Interview Practice Tool – Hardly’s Interview Practice Tool helps job seekers like you get ready for interviews by practicing responses and improving their delivery. It is an excellent tool to simulate the basic interview process.
  • Messaging – Stay connected with quick, secure messages, all within the platform.

Assessments – Use built-in assessments to identify strengths, gaps, and job readiness.

A hand holding a business card saying Hardly. Text: Your next chapter starts here.

Final Thoughts

Your career story is not fixed. It grows as you do. Whether you are just starting out or re-entering the workforce after time away, you already have what you need. What matters now is how you tell it.

Clear the clutter. Say what you mean. Let Hardly help you bring your next chapter into focus.

How To Own Your Growth At Every Stage

Growth isn’t a straight line to the top. It also isn’t defined by job titles or degrees.

 🪴 Growth begins the moment you decide to move forward.

If you’re working with a workforce development center to find your next step, growth might mean rebuilding your confidence or figuring out how to talk about everything you’ve learned outside of a traditional job. It might mean navigating a completely new direction. And no matter where you are in your journey, Hardly is here to help you take that next step.

Who Are The People Utilizing Workforce Development Centers?

Everyone’s path is different, and that’s the point. Every experience teaches you something worth bringing to your next role. 

A man standing on a paper airplane looking into the distance

The First Stage

This section is mostly for our high school graduates, but this advice applies to anyone without a degree looking further their careers without one.

Many of the most successful business men and women in the world don’t have a college degree. Their success didn’t come from a diploma. It came from the skills they built and the way they showed up.

Career success today depends far more on real-world experience than formal education.  Every experience you have had has impacted you, whether that’s positively or negatively. It’s up to you to figure out how to channel the growth that each experience has sparked in you into your next steps. 

Working in retail or at your local diner has value. It means you know how to work with people, even in difficult situations. If you had a side hustle in high school, it shows entrepreneurship and the ability to take risks responsibly. Volunteering at your local nursing home shows compassion, willingness to give back to the community, and most importantly, dedication. 

These experiences matter and important to build true character alongside your foundation. You’ve already built the skills you need. Now it’s time to make sure employers see them.

Hardly works hand-in-hand with workforce development centers. Our tools, like our resume builder, help you tell your story clearly and professionally. If your experience doesn’t look traditional, that’s okay. Tell us where you’ve been, and we’ll help you present it in the best way possible.

An illustration of a woman walking towards a computer, stack of paper, and a cup of coffee

Reentering The Workforce

Coming back to work after time away can feel overwhelming. Whether you’ve been raising a family, serving in the military, or navigating a major life change, reentering the workforce requires courage and support.

For some, it’s been years since they’ve had to update a resume or apply for a job. For others, like formerly incarcerated individuals, the gap in employment might feel like a wall. And for veterans, the transition into civilian life can be jarring. 

You’ve developed highly valuable skills that aren’t always written in the language employers expect to see. These types of skills could never have been gained by someone in academia. That’s your advantage. You have lived a different life, and have grown skills that are necessary for our society. 

If you’ve kept people safe, followed detailed protocols, or learned how to make fast decisions in unpredictable environments, you already have what so many employers are looking for. Adaptability. Leadership. Attention to detail. Teamwork.

Can you work well in a high-pressure environment? The question doesn’t even need to be asked with certain jobs under your belt.

The key is helping employers recognize those strengths. That is what Hardly does best. Our resume and cover letter builders help you translate your story into a format employers understand. And this time, you don’t have to spend hours staring at a blank screen.

An illustration of a parachute carrying a person to the stairs

Pivoting To A New Industry

The job search is grueling, especially when you’re trying to pivot into a new field without a traditional background. 

It’s a time filled with uncertainty. 

You apply to dozens of jobs, rewrite your resume over and over, tailor your cover letters and still hear nothing back. Eventually, it starts to feel personal. But it’s not.

Rejections left and right are NOT a commentary on the value you can bring to the table. Forbes states that 70% of people are finding it harder to get a job this year than in years past. You’re not imagining things. The market is tough.

Hardly lets you update your resume as you grow, build custom cover letters for every job you apply to, and track all your applications in one place. We help you stay organized and focused so your effort doesn’t go to waste. Our tools make your growth visible to employers. 

Don’t make it harder than it needs to be, right?

Green foot prints walking to the right and up

Action Steps

Here’s a few steps to get you started:

1. Use Hardly’s resume builder to tell your story clearly and confidently.

A well-crafted resume is your first impression. Use our tools to highlight your strengths, your experiences, and your goals in a way that speaks to employers.

2. Track your applications with the job tracker.

Staying organized during your job search helps you stay focused. Hardly’s job tracker lets you see where you have applied, follow up with confidence, and celebrate each small win.

3. Set one new growth goal each week.

Small goals lead to big changes. Whether it is updating one section of your resume, learning a new digital tool, or attending a workshop, consistent progress builds momentum.

4. Keep showing up.

Growth is not about having everything figured out. It is about taking one step at a time, no matter what stage you are in.

📝 Hardly makes those steps easier. We are here to help you stay on track and own your growth with clarity and purpose.

Hardly logo balancing a beam with business people barely balancing on it.

Growth Looks Different on Everyone

Here’s a fun fact about me: I’m a perfectionist at heart. However, being perfect is not what growth is about. We’re all running the same race but from different places. Your next step will look different from mine. The most important thing to keep in mind is that we’re both moving forward. 

Feeling sad? Take a step forward. Feeling tired? Take another step forward.

Each step forward facilitates more growth and more character. 

You have to own each step. 

Hardly has your back every step of the way.  

You Don't Need A Degree To Succeed, Just Skills

Today, employers are looking for skills over degrees. 

Ask around. Chances are someone in your circle took an untraditional route from high school to their now successful career. If you don’t know someone like that yet, Hardly is here to help you become that person or support others.

The Job Market

The job market is challenging, even on its best day. You scroll through LinkedIn or Indeed and see job postings with qualifications for entry-level jobs like this:

Requirements:

That overwhelming spreadsheet of applications rejection emails and recruiter names that I know you have (don’t worry, we’ve all been there) can be simplified with an effortless job tracker designed by Hardly to keep you organized and focused.

Let’s dive into why skills are outweighing degrees these days.

Identical resumes with skills & checkboxes on them

When Everyone's Skills Look The Same on Paper

Some fields like medicine, law, or engineering will always require formal education and hard skills. That’s fair. In recent years, many qualified people have gravitated toward other paths, like those in the trades or other fields like marketing, business, entrepreneurship, and design.

The downside for hiring professionals? Thousands of applicants look nearly identical on paper. They have the same:

📌 degree.

📌 internships.

📌 cover letter rewritten over and over to fit the qualifications.

How do you stand out and differentiate yourself when everyone checks the same boxes?

Large graphic of tools (skills) next to a small graduation cap

Skills Speak Louder Than Diplomas

Employers are shifting their focus from just degrees to actual experience. It’s heartening to see employers begin to focus on hiring the right skills, drive, and passion. Instead of where you went to school, they want to know what you can do.

What have you built, led, designed, managed, or solved? Experience and demonstrated capabilities are what matter in today’s job market. Hardly’s resume builder helps you highlight your skills clearly and use the right keywords to catch recruiters’ attention.

Companies like Google, IBM, and Delta have already removed degree requirements for many roles. Likewise, more are following, because they’ve realized what we’ve always believed:

💡 Your experience matters more than a diploma.

Organizations are finally starting to recognize that traditional education is not the only path to job readiness.

A lever showing the shift from academia to skills and experience

This change didn’t happen overnight. It’s driven by many factors. Here are the top 2 overall factors:

Technology Evolution

Tech evolves faster than most college programs, so degrees can become outdated in record time. Many new job positions today didn’t exist 10 years ago. Equity and access have become central conversations. College isn’t affordable or accessible for everyone. Employers are realizing that talent is everywhere but opportunity is not.

 

Changing Nature Of Work 

Freelancing gig work side hustles remote jobs and entrepreneurship have expanded how people develop and prove their skills. Someone who started a small business managed a family schedule or ran social media for a nonprofit might bring more relevant experience than a recent graduate without hands-on training.

Why This Shift Is Happening

Skills-first hiring also changes how we think about career paths. Gone are the days of climbing one narrow ladder for forty years. Today’s workforce is built on pivots, growth, and reinvention. You can move between industries, start over in a new city, or explore a different role without returning to school each time. That freedom can feel intimidating but it is also incredibly empowering. Your career doesn’t need to follow anyone else’s template. You are allowed to build it your way.

 

More than anything, this movement puts the spotlight back on people. It recognizes that value does not come from a piece of paper. It comes from action. Value comes from showing up, figuring things out, making progress and learning as you go. That mindset matters more than a transcript ever could.

A man holding his hand up with a megaphone. Text says: "Let's Talk About The Trades."

Let's Talk About the Trades

Electricians, welders, plumbers, and carpenters are all professionals with serious skill sets, and their work is more essential than ever. These are smart, valuable, and often high-paying career paths that deserve the same level of respect as any corporate job. People in the trades build and maintain the world we all rely on. And right now, there is real opportunity. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, skilled trades are among the industries most impacted by the labor shortage, which means demand is high and growing. 

 

Hardly was built with that in mind. Whether you are fixing engines, framing houses, designing websites, or running your own landscaping business, your work has real impact. 

Final Words

Hardly helps you turn hands-on experience into language that speaks to employers. Whether you have been working for twenty years or you are just starting out, Hardly makes it easier to identify your skills, frame your story, and stay organized throughout your search. You don’t need a business degree to prove that you are capable and ready. You just need the right words.

Did you know you can get a job faster by using a job application tracker? A job application tracker keeps all your job search information in one place. You’ll easily track who you contacted, what positions you applied for, where you applied, when you applied, and how you did it. With Hardly’s job application tracker, you can even connect specific resumes to applications and track which resumes are performing best for you.

A job application tracker can help you maintain focus

Maintain Your Focus

A job application tracker helps you see the next steps and reminds you when to take them. All your reminders are centralized, keeping you on track.
A job application tracker can help you stay motivated

Enhance Your Motivation

A lack of results can be demotivating. A job application tracker provides the data to adjust your approach for better outcomes, similar to tracking progress in diet and exercise plans.

A job application tracker can help you network

Expand Your Networking

Networking is crucial in job searching. A job application tracker highlights your points of contact for each application, helping you leverage connections. With 80% of jobs filled through networking and 70% of positions never posted publicly, expanding your network is key. Trackers help you remember referrals and connections that might lead to more opportunities aligned with your skills and career goals.

A job application tracker can help you stay on track

Boost Your Accountability

Keeping track of your actions makes it easier to follow through on your search steps. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, accountability encourages you by highlighting the steps you are taking. In a job application tracker, you’ll see progress, like applying to ten jobs in a week or emailing two contacts. These small steps add up to significant changes over time.

Application trackers are invaluable tools for job seekers, offering several key benefits that streamline the search process. They centralize all information, making it easy to track who you contacted, what positions you applied for, where and when you applied, and how you approached each application. They help maintain focus by providing a clear view of your application’s status, the next steps, and reminders, ensuring you never miss a follow-up. Tracking your actions encourages consistency and highlights the progress you’re making, which can be especially motivating during a potentially overwhelming job search. Overall, job application trackers are essential for a structured, focused, and proactive job search strategy.

Check out these other articles:

Career Story Refresh: Clear Clutter & Highlight What Matters

Tired of feeling stuck with your resume and cover letter? This post walks you through refreshing your career story by removing outdated language, emphasizing your real skills, and using Hardly’s smart tools to streamline your job search. Your story evolves. Make sure your application materials do too!

Read More »

How To Own Your Growth At Any Stage 

You don’t need a perfect plan to move forward. Whether you are reentering the workforce, switching careers, or taking your very first job, growth is already happening. With the right tools, you can own it.

Read More »

We know that it’s hard to keep spirits up when you are putting yourself out there. Not to get too personal, but as startup founders, we get told “no” a lot. Here are some ways to gain some extra positivity during your job search.

Job Search Boost

Set Realistic Goals

Sometimes, thinking about the big picture can be daunting. Break down your job search into manageable tasks and set achievable goals. Tackle one day at a time.

Stay Organized to maintain positivity

Stay Organized

Keep track of the applications you’ve sent, responses received, and follow-ups due. This will help you feel in control and see your progress over time. Hardly is building an application tracker to help with this! Sign up to be notified when it is live. 

Keep up your skills to boost your job search

Skill Development

  1. Online courses, research, or workshops can not only make you a more attractive candidate, but boost your confidence overall.

Use Hardly’s free resume builder to quickly edit job details and enhance your new-found skills!

Job Search and Healthy Living

Exercise and Healthy Living

Regular physical activity can significantly improve your mood and reduce stress. Engage in activities that relax and rejuvenate you, whether it’s reading, meditating, or spending time with loved ones. Mindfulness practices can help reduce stress and maintain mental health. Combined with a healthy diet, it can enhance your overall well-being, keeping you energized and positive. 

Networking is the best way to land a job

Networking

This one may not give you a ton of confidence, but connections can speed up your job search substantially. Reconnecting with old colleagues, attending industry meetups, or joining professional groups online can open new opportunities and provide valuable support.

stay on top of your job search

Prepare Thoroughly

For each application or interview, research the company and role extensively. This preparation can boost your confidence, showing you’re well-informed and genuinely interested

Practice Interviews

Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to build your confidence. Feedback can help improve your performance and reduce anxiety for the real thing. If you need extra help with this, consider seeking support from a career coach or counselor. If you are ready to take the leap, Hardly has plenty of coaches who are eager to help you on your journey.

Positive Affirmations and Small Celebrations

Start your day with positive affirmations or motivational quotes. Reminding yourself of your skills, achievements, and worth can set a positive tone for the day. Celebrate small victories, like getting a callback or even just completing a day’s worth of job applications.

Limit Comparison

We know this is easier said than done, but try to avoid comparing your journey to others’. Everyone’s career path is unique, and comparing can unnecessarily diminish your achievements and confidence.

If this was helpful, please share on Linkedin!

Check out our other articles:

Career Story Refresh: Clear Clutter & Highlight What Matters

Tired of feeling stuck with your resume and cover letter? This post walks you through refreshing your career story by removing outdated language, emphasizing your real skills, and using Hardly’s smart tools to streamline your job search. Your story evolves. Make sure your application materials do too!

Read More »

How To Own Your Growth At Any Stage 

You don’t need a perfect plan to move forward. Whether you are reentering the workforce, switching careers, or taking your very first job, growth is already happening. With the right tools, you can own it.

Read More »

Most of us are our absolute best work selves when we start a new job. Our boss says “jump,” we say “how high.” We show up early, over-prepared, and volunteer for every opportunity for growth. Then a couple of weeks or months go by and naturally as we get more comfortable a few bad working habits tend to rear their ugly heads. Our transition to remote work probably followed a similar pattern. In fact, we might have developed some new unfortunate habits in the process.

I started forgetting all about my body language during Zoom meetings. Being in a room surrounded by people dressed in business attire commands a certain level of attention. Being alone in my apartment with sweatpants and headphones on is a different vibe. I was catching myself mid-doodle, looking down at my paper, and suddenly remembering I was on camera! I hadn’t made eye contact with the current speaker or given any signs that I was engaged in the conversation in ten minutes. While I had been listening, it looked like I was completely zoned out to my coworkers. Realizing my habit could come off as disrespectful and unprofessional, I knew I had to nip it in the bud.

To save you from having to learn some hard lessons on your own, here are our top 5 bad working habits you need to kick in 2021:

Perfectionism is the enemy of good habits

He was right! Let go of meticulously going through the small stuff at the expense of making headway on the project as a whole. Instead, create a comprehensive rough draft where all the content or “meat” of the deliverable is there and then go back and make necessary corrections if time allows. Don’t let your fear of criticism keep you from pulling the trigger. The sooner you send it out, the sooner you can receive feedback, the sooner you can make it better.

Tardiness doesn't pay

One of my New Year’s commitments was to be on time for everything. Showing up when you are supposed to says you value your time and the time of others which can be hugely important in business since time is money. 

To avoid being late to any Zoom calls, set the alert for 5-10 minutes before the actual meeting so that you have time to go to the bathroom, close out of your email, or get a glass of water before it begins. Shoot for sitting in front of your computer with a smile on your face one minute before the start time.

Overpromising is a habit that will catch up to you

I am definitely guilty of this one. With good intentions, my default is to say “yes, yes, yes” to everything forgetting that I only have time for so much work. While setting boundaries might be difficult at first, it is better than disappointing others when you have to admit you bit off more than you could chew. Instead, set realistic expectations from the beginning and if you finish early, reach out and offer to take on more.

Tunnel focus is bad

Laser focus is a valuable skill however, in virtual work environments being accessible via online platforms is key. Coworkers rely on email and Slack to let you know they require your attention. Tuning everything out and working in isolation is not an option— and is definitely a bad working habit. Deeply focusing on one task for an extended period of time can cause you to miss time-sensitive messages from others on your team. You don’t want to be the one that people can never get a hold of. 

Prevent this by placing a time limit on your tunnel vision and scheduling email, Slack, and phone checks a couple of times per day so that you are attuned to all your tasks in the background.

Resisting new processes or software

Even if a change is for the better, there is always a learning curve. Being a stick-in-the-mud and unwilling to adapt is a sure way to make yourself obsolete. Don’t be the team member that is looking backward rather than forwards. Instead, take on a positive attitude and welcome the opportunity to add a new skill to your repertoire and resume. Just think, it will make you more competitive in the long run!

If you and I can ditch these bad working habits, we will be sure to excel in our current positions. Not to mention, our coworkers and bosses will thank us for being productive, punctual, honest, aware, and adaptable. Let us know if there are other bad habits you intend to improve this year and share your plan of attack!

You may also like…

Want to pursue a lucrative career in 2024? There is a good chance that you will be hired if you pursue any of these 10 careers— all of which pay over $100,000. These are the fast-growing careers where hiring is most urgent and growth is most rapid. This data is sourced from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, so you know it’s legit.

Software Developer

Software Developer

A software developer’s job is to design, develop, test and deploy computer software. They may work on a variety of projects, from developing new applications to maintaining and improving existing ones. A software developer must have strong problem-solving and technical skills, as well as be able to work effectively in a team.

This job also has the advantage of being highly entrepreneurial. So if you are thinking about freelancing for most of your career, being a software developer is a good option. This will continue to be on the fast-growing career list for the foreseeable future.

Medical and Health Services Manager

Medical and Health Services Manager

The Medical and Health Services Manager career offers the security and money of a medical career, but is also ideal for those who prefer to work at a desk that is far away from sick people.  You will be responsible for planning, directing, and coordinating healthcare providers’ business activities.

Your days will be filled with pushing papers in the medical office and meeting with doctors, but you’ll still have time to cash your $101K salary check at the bank.

Financial Manager

A financial manager is responsible for the financial wellbeing of their organization. They create financial plans, direct investment activities, and oversee financial risk management. Financial managers work in a variety of industries, including banking, insurance, accounting, and financial planning.

 

The role of a financial manager is not a new fast-growing career, and most of this increased need is due to people retiring or leaving the workforce. 

Nurse Practitioner

Nurse Practitioner Career

The “hero career” is no surprise to remain in the fast-growing careers for 2024. You’ll bring home $121K per year and be recognized for saving lives. Nursing practitioners, nurse anesthetists, and midwives are all known as advanced practice registered nurses. Their responsibilities include coordinating patient care and providing primary and specialty care.

Prepare yourself for companies to start chasing you once you get your Master’s degree, but don’t get too excited! There is one more step to complete—obtaining your state’s license and APRN certification.

Computer and Information Systems Manager

Information Career

The job of a computer and information systems manager is to plan, organize, and coordinate the activities of workers who design, develop, test, and maintain computer software and systems. They also oversee the installation of new systems and ensure that existing systems are compatible with new software and hardware. In addition, computer and information systems managers consult with other departments to ensure that their computer system needs are met.

You can work in a variety of different industries— including government, education, or private businesses. To read more about being a Computer and Information Systems Manager, check out this article from Chron.

Prepare yourself for companies to start chasing you once you get your Master’s degree, but don’t get too excited! There is one more step to complete—obtaining your state’s license and APRN certification.

Health Specialties Teacher

Health Specialties Teacher

Health Specialties Teachers’ job is to instruct various subjects like human anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology to healthcare students. They also prepare students for their future roles in the healthcare field. 

The majority of health specialty teachers are employed by colleges or universities. Some of them, however, work in medical hospitals, trade schools, or junior colleges. Additional licenses and certifications may be required based on the field you teach in.

Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analyst Career

This job is also called the “White Hat Hacker” job and reminds us of all those hacking scenes in movies. Information Security Analysts are responsible for the overall security of an organization’s information systems. 

They work to identify and mitigate security risks, and are responsible for developing and implementing security policies and procedures. Information security analysts must have a strong understanding of computer networks and systems, and must be able to think critically to identify and resolve security issues.

Bonus! Here are some other high-growth careers:

  • Marketing Managers
  • Sales Managers
  • Veterinarians
  • Human Resource Managers
  • Dentists
  • Pharmacists
  • Computer Network Architects
  • Computer and Information Research Scientists
  • Industrial Production Managers 
  • Electronics Engineers

How do you know which of these is the best career for you?

All of the jobs on this list pay well, but you shouldn’t choose one of these careers solely because of the paycheck. Sign up for a free Hardly account today and you can use our tools and assessments to understand what you need and want in your career. Want to take it up a notch? You can chat with one of our coaches, who will be able to guide you through understanding yourself in the context of your career. 

It is your life and your career that you will invest much time and energy into. A rewarding career choice will give you energy, passion, and joy.

If you’re feeling stuck in your career or unsure of your next steps, career coaching may be the solution you need. A career coach can help you identify your strengths, set achievable goals, and develop a plan to reach them. In this article, we’ll explore the many benefits of career coaching and why you should consider it for your professional development.

Understand your Strengths and Weaknesses

Identify your strengths and weaknesses.

One of the key benefits of career coaching is the ability to identify your strengths and weaknesses. A career coach can help you assess your skills, personality traits, and work style to determine what you excel at and where you may need improvement. Also, this self-awareness can be invaluable in setting career goals and making decisions about your professional development. Additionally, a career coach can help you develop strategies to overcome any weaknesses and leverage your strengths to achieve success in your career.

Set Achievable Goals

Set achievable goals and create a plan to reach them.

Another benefit of career coaching is the ability to set achievable goals and create a plan to reach them. A career coach can help you identify your long-term career aspirations and break them down into smaller, more manageable goals. They can also help you create a plan of action to achieve those goals, including identifying any necessary skills or resources you may need along the way. With a clear plan in place, you can stay focused and motivated as you work towards your career objectives. 

 

Want to start now? Check out our 5 Strategies for Career Success.

Career coaching to improve networking

Improve your communication and networking skills.

Career coaching can also help you improve your communication and networking skills, which are essential for success in any industry. A career coach can provide guidance on how to effectively communicate with colleagues, clients, and superiors, as well as how to build and maintain professional relationships. They can also help you identify networking opportunities and provide strategies for making meaningful connections in your industry. By improving your communication and networking skills, you can enhance your professional reputation and open up new opportunities for career growth.

Gain Confidence and Overcome Self Doubt

Gain confidence and overcome self-doubt.

One of the biggest benefits of coaching is gaining confidence and overcoming self-doubt. A career coach can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses, and provide guidance on how to leverage your strengths to achieve your goals. They can also help you address any limiting beliefs or negative self-talk that may be holding you back. By building your confidence and overcoming self-doubt, you can approach your career with a positive mindset and achieve greater success.

Career Coaching for Transitions

Navigate career transitions and make informed decisions.

Career coaching can also be incredibly helpful during times of transition, such as when you are considering a career change or starting a new job. A career coach can provide guidance on how to navigate these transitions, including identifying transferable skills and exploring new career paths. They can also help you make informed decisions by providing objective feedback and helping you weigh the pros and cons of different options. With the support of a career coach, you can feel more confident and empowered to make the best decisions for your career. 


If you are thinking about leaving your job, check out 10 Signs It’s Time To Leave Your Job

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Ready to take your career to the next level? Purchase coaching session credits today. Credits never expire and can be redeemed with any of Hardly’s coaches. 

Career development is an important factor in your overall success and well-being. Whether you’re looking to change career paths, level up in your current job, or just gain new skills, here are five tips to help you plan a successful journey of career growth.

1

Set Clear Goals

Having clearly defined goals is an essential part of career development success. Outline the type of job and position you want to achieve, as well as any learning objectives and skills you need to accomplish along the way. Setting effective performance and professional goals will help you stay on track and improve your chances of success. Break down these goals into SMART objectives (i.e., specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, timely), so that they are manageable and achievable. 

2

Short and Long-Term Career Planning​

Short-term and long-term career planning can help you understand what you need to do each day and how to achieve your professional goals. Use tools such as networking, career action plans, training and development plans, or job shadowing to get an understanding of how your goals can be achieved in both the short-term and long-term. Building strong relationships with professionals who have knowledge of the clearances you need or information about specific job openings is also key for career advancement.

3

Enhance Your Learning and Education​

Staying up to date with the latest trends and knowledge in your chosen industry is an important component of successful career development. Read books, attend seminars and conferences, take professional education classes online or at nearby colleges, and/or join a professional association. These activities can help you keep up with changes in your field, stay current with best practices, show potential employers that you are willing to go the extra mile to acquire new skills, and make connections within the industry.

4

Establish Professional Connections & Networks​

Networking is an important part of career development, as it can help you make contacts in the industry, open doors to new opportunities, and keep your skills sharp. You can meet other professionals at conferences and events or join a professional or alumni organization. Connecting with peers and mentors online through social media platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter can also be beneficial. Additionally, participating in online forums and discussions related to your industry can help establish yourself as a thought leader.

Hardly’s events are an excellent way to meet other people! You never know which workshop could give you the right connection to launch your career forward. Also, if you are hunting for a new job, here are some resume tips for you.

career development
5

Search for Mentors & Role Models

Identifying role models and mentors is a great way to learn from the success of others. Mentors are people you can look up to, admiring their achievements, while learning from their experiences. Observing or talking with them can provide insight on how they’ve achieved success in their fields and help you find your own personal approach. Additionally, mentors can be powerful advocates who will champion you and your career aspirations.

Check out Hardly’s career coaches to get expert guidance!