Just like the way hygiene is comprised of conditions or practices conducive to maintaining health and preventing disease, especially through cleanliness, the practice of career hygiene is no different when it comes to preventing career risk, building career capital and maintaining a healthy career.
Hygiene is important in all aspects of our lives, and it is important to note that career hygiene contributes tremendously to a healthy workforce. Career hygiene practices are often part of a larger routine to ensure the safety and vitality of one’s career.
Just as new practices are replaced by old ones due to changing trends in various parts of our lives, careers, too, need revamping, which calls for career hygiene practices.
How to practice career hygiene
Career hygiene consists of several practices anyone can take to establish a great career. Professionals should continually review the state of their careers, and even upgrade their career capital where necessary. Here are some ideas of how to do so:
- Differentiate yourself: Achieve this by mastering a skill for which everyone will refer to you without doubt as the subject matter expert to perform that This serves as a differentiator for you among others in the workplace. Possess in-demand skills related to creativity, persuasion, collaboration, adaptability, emotional intelligence. This will automatically build your brand.
- Have an extraordinary digital resume: Remember, LinkedIn has over 700,000 users and is the largest and most trusted professional networking Many jobs are advertised via LinkedIn, recruiters search for candidates through LinkedIn, and decision-makers in companies are just a click away from each and everyone’s profile. We live in a digital environment, and we have to be visible online. Your digital profile on any platform should be consistent and accentuate your real-life aptitude.
- Be open in interviews with potential employers: Let them know that you are or will be volunteering for a project or professional body or cause that is important to This will enable your potential employer to understand your career goals and your commitment to professional growth. It will also demonstrate your credibility and open-mindedness to grow. Affirm that you will have time for the activity and that it won’t affect your working hours, noting that it is not a competing organization and there is no conflict of interest.
- Devote yourself to continuous learning: Do so by getting certified, attending workshops, training sessions, local chapter meetings, conferences, and other events of professional associations relevant to your
- Network intentionally: Connect with people for a genuine reason and formalize relationships with more senior and like-minded It is amazing how many new career opportunities can be set in motion by these types of relationships created through networking.
- Protect your reputation: Your conduct with your former employer can determine so much of your way forward in your Some people leave their current jobs without even giving notice or clearance to the employers. This can be problematic later when new employers are carrying out due diligence on a candidate during the hiring process and checking on their employment history.
- Stay focused: Share your goals and aspirations so that expectations are clear and you receive the best support from your mentors or accountability Also recognize that, in many cases, dedicated and focused practices are the building blocks for a future career. For example, the skills you get today from your current role and other work engagements may be the point of reference for you to get the next job, a promotion or referrals.
- Recover gradually from career gaps: This most often applies to new mothers, those who were laid-off and former convicts. Sometimes women don’t return to work after giving birth because of fear of not fitting in, changes in the role, or other personal reasons. It is important to stay active even during this period by building more connections, attending trainings or conferences remotely, keeping in touch with peers, engaging in online discussions on industry topics, and researching in-demand skills.
- Seek mentorship: Someone else’s experience may help you overcome the challenges relevant to your career
- Be a good example: Set an example to new professionals so that they don’t learn bad practices or adapt to a toxic
Things to avoid:
- Watch out for career risks. For example: physical risks (having to do with the safety of your work environment); emotional risks (such as unnecessarily worrying colleagues will think less of you if you ask for help); and financial risks (determining whether quitting a job or investing in an educational program is feasible. When you research your options, you might be able to reduce the risk).
- Badmouthing your former/current employer.
- Not disclosing why you left your former employment to put to rest any notions that you were involved in anything untoward in your previous role.
- Becoming too comfortable in your role and skills to prioritize growth.