Dear Experts, A recruiter contacted me to interview for a position. After two phone interviews and one on-site interview with three people, I was told I was the "top-candidate" and the corporate HR department (in Europe) was "approving" the local office to make an offer. A few weeks pass by with no new news, then the local HR department calls me to reiterate the delay was caused by corporate HR. Two week later I get an email stating they "had" to select an internal candidate and asking if I would be interested in "future" openings. At this point, I have mixed feelings because this feels dishonest. Do I need to respond to this? Or, should I respond to this other than to acknowledge I received it? Here is how our CAREEREALISM-Approved Experts answered this question on Twitter:Q#448 Unless you got a formal offer, you have no case. It happens to the best of us. Keep your chin up. (@beneubanks) Q#448 Just drop it. The opportunity has gone and it's no longer worth your time or energy. Put it in your past. (@gradversity) Q#448 Don't close doors or burn bridges. Things like this happen between corp & branches. Keep options open. You never know. (@DawnBugni) Q#448 Interview process is 2-way street. Situation raises red flags. I'd keep options open, proceed w/caution. (@keppie_careers) Our Twitter Advice Project (T.A.P.) is no longer an active campaign. To find an answer to the above question, please use the "Search" box in the right-hand column of this website.
Everyone has heard of New Year's resolutions. You know, those promises we make to ourselves about things we'll do better in the year ahead. Sometimes these resolutions work, while other times we end up with gym memberships we never use! But have you ever heard of a career resolution? It's actually the same thing as a New Year's resolution, only career-focused.
However, with something as important as a career, you don't want to break these resolutions. That's why it's important to keep these goals manageable.
Here are four simple career resolutions that are easy to stick to and achieve.
Be Self-Aware Of Where You Stand In Your Career
BigstockBeing honest and self-aware of where you are in your career is the most important step in making strong career resolutions. If your career is going nowhere and you're unhappy, then it may be time to consider a career change, which will take you down a different path entirely.
But if you're happy and in good standing with your career, it's a lot easier to set goals for the year and build out a long-term career plan.
Find A Way To Grow Your Career
BigstockCareer growth is a very broad spectrum that means something different to everyone. It could be something as simple as improving on a weakness or building on a strength. It could also be learning a new skill or taking on additional responsibilities at work.
On a larger level, it could be seeking a promotion or moving into a leadership role.
Whatever the goal is, make sure it includes growing professionally. The worst thing you can do is stay the same! If you're not growing your career, you're dying—and becoming a lot less valuable to your employer. There are always ways to upskill!
Better Serve Your Professional Network
With current colleagues, former colleagues, and other professional acquaintances, you've probably built a solid professional network through the years. A strong professional network can come in handy if you lose your job or are looking to make a career change. However, you shouldn't just rely on your network when you're in need!
It's important to find ways to offer value to your network. This could include checking in with members of your network from time to time. Exchange messages on LinkedIn to see how they're doing or share relevant content of interest. If you can help someone in your network going through a career challenge, you should!
Maintaining a strong professional network is like an investment. If you want it to pay off, you have to put some time into it and be consistent.
Take Care Of Yourself
Bigstock
Working on your career is hard work! It's okay to be selfish sometimes. Whether you're working to grow your career or looking for a new job, it's important to find balance.
Your family and health always come first, so make sure your career goals don't interfere with that. If you want to set aside time during the week to work on your career that's fine, but don't miss important family events or milestones.
Don't let your career goals get in the way of your health goals. Go to the gym, take a walk, or go for a jog. Balance is key to maintaining healthy career and life goals. Sometimes you just need to adjust that balance as you go.
Need help sticking to your career resolutions?
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This article was originally published at an earlier date.