How to climb the career ladder and land your dream role in 2024?

LOOKING to make a step up the career ladder in 2024?

January is the top month for professional job postings as companies review their staffing levels for the years ahead.

Moving into a professional role could see you rise in your current company, move to a different firm or use new skills to relaunch your career in an entirely different job role.

So if you’re ready to go pro, here’s how with the help of Sun Jobs.

Review your current position

How big a jump is it from your current job to a professional position? What are the transferrable skills and strengths you can bring to an elevated role?

Assess what you need to put in place to make the leap – then plan how you are going to do it.

Upskill

Identify any skills gaps and plug them before you apply.

Top general in-demand skills professional skills include leadership, IT and tech and critical thinking.

You can take free courses on LinkedIn to help boost your CV, plus consider if you need professional certification applicable to your industry too.

Update your CV

Think positive and professional. Write your CV as though you were in the position you want to be in, not the one you are in now.

Update with your new skillset and demonstrate how your achievement to date can transfer into a higher job.

Network for success

Ask your HR team what they would recommend to enable you to make your next move.

Let your professional network know you are looking to climb higher and join any relevant industry bodies and professional groups.

Let employers and recruiters know you are willing and keen so you hear about open vacancies first.

Apply like a pro

As well as applying through the standard routes, take a professional approach to your job hunt.

Find out who the hiring manager is and call or email them directly, so your name gets known.

Consider engaging a recruiter specialising in your chosen field and make the most of professional networking events and Linked In.

Make 2024 your year for career success. Here are this week’s Sun Jobs pick of the professional roles.

Associate Project Manager, AECOM, Birmingham

Project power and success with this exciting career move.

The Job: AECOM is hiring an Associate Project Manager to successfully manage and deliver capital investment projects. 

What You’ll Do: You will provide client-side project management support during all stages of the project delivery lifecycle, from option studies, option development, construction tender support through to NEC contract administration and takeover. You will join a team of like-minded experts with a passion for innovation and delivering cutting-edge solutions, working on various projects in both the public and private sector.

You’ll Need: You will be professionally qualified, preferably with a degree in project management, construction, engineering or quantity surveying. Similar work experience, knowledge of JCT / NEC contracts and an understanding of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 are all essential.

Apply Now: See further details of this Associate Project Manager role, along with other roles at AECOM, here.

Dutch Speaking Sales Executive, Flashbay, London

Don’t sell yourself short – this sales job is a super step up.

The Job: Flashbay is looking for a Dutch-Speaking Sales Executive for a hybrid-remote position based out of the company’s London HQ.

What You’ll Do: Once you have completed Sales Hero Academy training to provide the fundamental sales skills, product knowledge and understanding of the company’s clients, you will utilise the techniques you’ve learned to convert warm inbound leads into new customers; take ownership of a portfolio of existing customers, focusing on building and strengthening those relationships; build and develop your sales pipeline; win new business opportunities; and act as the dedicated point of contact for customer queries via phone and email.

You’ll Need: The ideal person for this job is a native Dutch speaker (or fluent to native standard) who is competitive, passionate and driven to exceed in sales, with a willingness to constantly learn and develop their skills. Strong IT abilities and a can-do attitude are essentials.

Apply Now: See more details of this Dutch Speaking Sales Executive role here, along with other opportunities at Flashbay.

Payroll Specialist, Leidos, Remote

Get paid what you are worth in this specialist payroll position.

The Job: An opportunity has arisen at Leidos for a UK Payroll Specialist to join its company.

What You’ll Do: As Payroll Specialist, you will support the UK Payroll Manager in processing payroll for UK-based employees and optimising payroll system configuration to ensure accurate and timely payroll delivery and tax compliance for employees currently based in the UK. The position is fully remote.

You’ll Need: The ideal person for this role will have extensive experience processing UK payroll, along with an understanding of computerised payroll systems and manual pay calculations, proven experience with the ADP iHCM2 and strong knowledge of Microsoft Excel using advanced functionality. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are a must.

Apply Now: Apply for this position, along with other opportunities at Leidos, here.

Discover thousands of open vacancies for jobs all across the UK now on The Sun Job Board.