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Anyone who finds themselves in a bit of a career rut facing into 2009 would do well to think up some career resolutions. Eithne Dunne reports

While swearing off cigarettes, booze or chocolate cake for 2009 is very laudable, most of us are as likely to stick to our well-intentioned plans beyond February as we are to actually wear that jumper our granny bought us for Christmas.

By then, most New Year’s resolutions are little more than a painful memory of nicotine cravings and aching muscles. And next year, we will probably make the same not-so-resolute resolutions all over again.

So why not decide to make 2009 the year you give your career an overhaul? That way, hopefully, you will get long-term benefits that won’t rely on your sweating it out in a gym three times a week or foregoing that Friday evening drink or three.

Of course, you may already be blissfully happy and 100pc satisfied with what you do. But if like many people you feel a little under-challenged, under-rewarded or just a little direction-less in your job, here are some things you may want to consider.

Take stock

John Deely, an occupational psychologist with Pinpoint, says assessing what you have done and where you are going is important before planning any career progression.

“Ask yourself firstly if you are reasonably happy going into work most Mondays. Are you enjoying what you do and do you feel challenged? Are you as happy or happier than you were this time last year? If you are less happy, you need to look at why that is. Then you need to decide whether it’s your job or the organisation you work for that’s the problem.”

He suggests doing a ‘career audit’. “Look at what you’ve done in the past and decide what your likes and dislikes are. What have you got good feedback on that you may have dismissed at the time? Spend five or 10 minutes writing what the past year would add to your CV and then write what you’d like it to have on it by this time next year.”

Have a clear measurable goal

It may seem obvious, but you need to know what you want — whether it’s a pay rise, a new position or just more responsibility or challenge. “Your plan will not work unless you look on it as a project,” says Peter Cosgrove, country manager of Ireland at Hudson. “Projects have measurables and deadlines. So instead of saying: ‘By February, I’ll have looked around at what else is out there’, set yourself a specific goal for February and another for April and so on. Decide where you want to be in a year’s time and work backwards from there.”

Know your strengths and weaknesses

Being aware of what you are good at and where your limitations are is key. Shirley Kavanagh, managing director of Executive Support, says people don’t spend enough time getting to know their strengths and weaknesses. “Be honest with yourself and don’t be afraid to ask for feedback. Most of us have someone we can trust in our organisation whom we could ask. He or she may even identify strengths you didn’t know you had.”

Miriam Ahern, a human resources consultant who runs Align Management Solutions, says not to be afraid of mistakes or weaknesses. “Appreciate your mistakes. Admit to them, own them and learn from them. If you are not making mistakes, you are not trying new things.”

Speak up

Once you have decided what it is you want and you know your strong and weak points, speak to the appropriate person. “It’s important to talk to your boss about what you do and what you want,” says Deely. “People can make the assumption that you are 100pc happy because you’re not asking for further opportunities. Some companies have a formal development process in place, but many don’t.”

Take responsibility

It’s all too easy to moan about work, whether it is the pay, the hours or the unappreciative boss. But ultimately, it’s down to each individual to do something about it, particularly in today’s economy, when a lack of alternatives is not a problem for most people.

“We all have a responsibility as to how happy our career is making us,” says Deely. “Many organisations offer good training and career prospects but they have their own agenda that mightn’t be best for you. Make sure any promotion you go for is something you would like and be good at. You can end up following a route that’s mapped out for you and find yourself, in three years’ time, outwardly doing well but not getting the satisfaction you want.”

Kavanagh agrees. “People need to take responsibility for their own careers and make things happen for themselves. There are supports for you along the way but it’s down to you.”

Check appearance and behaviour

We can all get lazy about our appearance or let our behaviour slip from time to time, but this has no place in your 2009 career game plan. “Your image is vital, so your dress and behaviour should be impeccable in all work situations,” says Ahern. “This is an old-fashioned work ethic but it is highly effective. Never participate in office gossip. If you gossip with your colleagues, they’ll assume you’ll gossip about them when they’re not present. This damages your credibility and promotion prospects. Also, never lie. Remember the maxim: ‘A person found guilty of one lie is suspected of many’.”

Be persistent

Expect disappointments along the way but try not to let them put you off course. “It won’t happen overnight,” says Kavanagh. “You have to be realistic about the progress that you can make. If you haven’t shown any ambition for years, you have to work to build up your profile and perhaps change the perceptions people have of you. Don’t underestimate the hard work involved. I’m a firm believer that if you know what you want and know your strengths and weaknesses, you can do whatever you want to do.” -ends-

Don’t sell yourself short

Most of us are not naturally predisposed to self-promotion. The old Irish tendency towards begrudgery and the fear of being seen to be ‘getting above one’s station’ still lingers on in many workplaces, with the result that many of us keep a relatively low profile and don’t look for recognition. This does not help when it comes to securing that promotion or pay rise.

And self-promotion doesn’t mean handing out leaflets about yourself during lunchtime or putting an ad in the company newsletter. It can be as simple as contributing more in work-related discussions or meetings, coming up with suggestions, volunteering for new things and making the most of performance reviews.

“You need to build a profile,” says Kavanagh. “People don’t market themselves enough internally — you have to be your own PR person in a sense. Participate in meetings, put yourself forward for things and, if you think something could be done better or in a way that would add value, say that. That’s when people start taking notice of you. And that’s what companies are trying to do now — drive innovation through the organisation.”

According to Cosgrove, while you may be doing an excellent job you may find that the people who sell themselves better and are not afraid to make their achievements known are the ones who get noticed. “While no one likes arrogance, there is a fine line between this and just plain confidence, which goes a long way.”

Grooming also has a part to play in boosting your position in a company. “If you dress well you will come across as more confident and more professional,” says Cosgrove. Given that so much communication is non-verbal, this is a key aspect of promoting yourself.”

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