Having an open dialogue with your boss about your career goals is essential for career growth. By discussing your plans with your boss, you can learn what opportunities are available and how best to achieve success. In order to start a productive conversation about your career goals, it’s important to be prepared and to approach it in the right way. The following blog post will help you understand how to talk about career goals with your boss in a professional manner. We’ll provide tips on how to make the best use of your time with your boss and how to phrase your questions in a way that leads to a productive conversation. We’ll also offer advice on how to manage expectations and come to an agreement that works for both of you. By taking the time to understand these guidelines, you can make the most of the time you spend talking with your boss and ensure that you have a successful conversation.
How to talk about career goals with your boss
Follow these instructions to get ready to discuss your career goals with your boss or supervisor:
1. Prepare your information
Consider your current position and your advantages in it. Think about the transferrable skills you could use in other departments of your business. Make a list of your accomplishments from your present position as well as from previous employment and education. Think about any significant contributions you have made to your current company.
If one of your objectives is to apply for a particular position, research the duties and expected pay for that position. Write down or enter all of this information into a digital document. You can use it later to talk about your objectives and plans with your manager.
2. Schedule a meeting
Each manager may prefer a different way for team members to get in touch with them and arrange meetings. They might favor receiving your request via email, an online service, or a calendar invitation. Some may ask that you schedule meetings in person. Follow their recommended guidelines to get on their schedule. To give them time to prepare, let them know what the meeting’s focus will be. This may make your supervisor more receptive to the conversation.
3. Share your accomplishments
Share the information you have gathered from your research phase to start the meeting. Remind the manager of your career accomplishments related to the business and your development as a worker. Listen to their feedback. They might be more likely to speak up for you and your objectives in front of higher-level management or other department heads at the company if they are receptive and supportive of your recap.
4. Share your career plan
Next, describe to the manager how you see your future career developing while working for your company. Think about using specific time frames, such as your career in one, three, or five years. Consider the additional responsibilities you would like to take on, such as management or working with various clients. Think about the experiences you hope to have as you mature, the knowledge you hope to acquire, and the skills you hope to acquire. Keep this goal in mind as you run your business, and explain how your expansion benefits it.
5. Ask for opportunities
Ask for a new job or promotion if you’ve already decided you want one. You can ask your supervisor if there are any new opportunities within the company even if you don’t have a specific role in mind. Additionally, you could request that they get in touch with you if they ever create a new project, job, or role. Describe why you want to advance in your career with your current employer and how their support and training can make you more successful and self-assured in your abilities.
6. Gain support
Before you leave the meeting, convince your manager to support you in achieving your objectives. This might entail speaking up for you in conferences and other settings where new chances present themselves. To do this, consider sharing your research documents. They could demonstrate your competence and commitment to advancing your career with the organization. Ask for their assistance in thinking of a few ways you can move forward and achieve your career goals. You might also think about asking your boss to recommend you to other coworkers who could assist you or give you additional responsibilities.
7. Recap the meeting
After the meeting, give yourself time to reflect on and comprehend everything you talked about. You’ll probably have more queries or suggestions for how to make a plan to achieve your objectives. Make notes about your thoughts and topics you want to look into further. This can aid the process and help you recall your precise feelings after the meeting.
8. Stay persistent
Additional meetings might be necessary to accomplish your objectives and maintain contact with your supervisor. More inquiries about advancement or updates on your own development might come up. It makes sense to schedule follow-up meetings after discovering a new opportunity or picking up new skills. Secondary meetings can also be used to get clarification on information they provide you with or approval for the next steps in your advancement process.
When should you discuss career goals with your employer?
There are times in your professional life when discussing your goals with a supervisor may make more sense than other times. These situations may include:
When youre looking for new challenges
Consider speaking with your manager if you find your regular work to be too routine or simple to complete. You might be able to increase your workload or take on new responsibilities. You might get promoted or have other opportunities for career advancement if you ask for a new challenge.
When youre looking to make more money
You could speak with your manager to see if there are any options if one of your career goals is to make more money. Your decision to earn more money may be affected by circumstances such as paying off student loans, purchasing a home, or starting a family. When speaking with your supervisor, be sure to mention how your life and career goals are intertwined.
When you want a change
If you decide you want to try something new, speak with your manager about other positions that are available at your company. Often, if you want a change, you don’t necessarily have to leave your job. You might not be aware of the additional opportunities or positions in your team or division that are available to you.
When you discover a new opportunity
Set up a meeting with your manager if you learn about a future opportunity that appeals to you. They might be able to assist you in getting ready to apply for or take the test for the job or placement. The sooner you express interest, the more likely you are to receive support and achieve your goal.
5 tips for setting and achieving career goals
Use the advice below to establish career objectives and work toward the success you desire:
1. Take charge
Though getting outside perspectives on your objectives, such as those from your manager, may be helpful, keep in mind that only you have the power to decide what you want. Additionally, you are the only one who can make the necessary progress. You are the one who can make, set, and change your career goals whenever you want, even after you’ve started the journey.
2. Do your own research
There are numerous methods you can come up with ideas when searching for new opportunities. Do your own company research. Investigate other divisions within your company to see if you would fit in there or if they are engaged in any activities that you are interested in. To learn about new projects that others are starting, get in touch with people in your network at your company and elsewhere. Discovering problems with solutions could also help you find a goal.
3. Ask the right questions
Sometimes, in order to achieve your goals, you may need to be assertive or ask for what you want. Ask your boss for constructive criticism and suggestions on how you can get better at your current duties. Ask your boss to recommend any training or development opportunities that could help you become more qualified for a new position or a promotion. This can help you understand your supervisor’s perspective of you and the value you bring to the business, which can help you identify areas for setting goals.
4. Understand your motivators and values
Consider your priorities, both inside and outside of the workplace. Think about the things that motivate you to advance your career or learn more. You can set goals by being aware of what motivates you and what ideas and knowledge are important to you. They can also determine whether you’ll be successful in reaching them.
5. Take notes
Throughout the entire process, from setting goals to completing them, take notes. When you have a new idea, during research, or during meetings, jot it down. This can make your planning and goal identification process easier. Additionally, it allows you to gauge your progress toward achieving your objective and track your success.
How to Discuss Your Career Goals with your Boss
FAQ
How do you share your goals with your boss?
- Prepare your information. Consider your current position and your advantages in it.
- Schedule a meeting. …
- Share your accomplishments. …
- Share your career plan. …
- Ask for opportunities. …
- Gain support. …
- Recap the meeting. …
- Stay persistent.
What should I mention in career goals?
- Think about your passions. Knowing what your passions are is one of the best ways to achieve your career goals.
- Do your research. …
- Ask yourself important questions. …
- Use SMART goals. …
- Develop an action plan. …
- Adjust accordingly.
How do I write a career discussion?
- Anticipate Tough Questions. There will always be some tough questions employees throw out.
- Follow a Process to Determine Objectives. …
- Ask Questions—Get Personal and Real. …
- Plan How to Start a Conversation. …
- Tell the Truth—Engage Employees as Partners.
