How to make your next career move: Advance or change your career in 2025

As 2025 approaches, many professionals are reflecting on their career paths and considering their next steps. Whether you're looking to climb the corporate ladder or pivot to a new industry, this is an ideal time to reassess and take control of your career journey. In this blog, we’ll explore some practical strategies to work towards achieving your career aspirations—whether that's advancing in your current role or transitioning to a new field.

Define your career goals

Understanding your career aspirations is the first step to making a meaningful move. Taking time to reflect on where you are and where you want to be can provide clarity and direction.

• Self-reflection: Assess your current role, skills, and long-term goals. Think about what you enjoy and where you see yourself in the coming years.

• Identify what’s next: Ask yourself whether you feel fulfilled in your current role. Are you learning and growing? Do you want a higher salary, more flexibility, or a new industry?

• Envision your ideal role: Consider what kind of job aligns with your goals. Whether it’s leadership opportunities, remote work, or joining a new sector, defining these criteria will help you focus your efforts.

Need some inspiration? Read out recent blog on setting goals for the New Year for some fresh ideas.

Strategise your path – Advancement vs. Change

Once you have clarity on your goals, it’s time to plan your next move. Depending on whether you’re aiming for a promotion or a career change, your approach will differ.

For those seeking advancement

If you want to move up in your current organisation, focus on demonstrating your readiness for more responsibility.

• Identify skills gaps: Evaluate the skills or experience needed for a leadership role and find ways to address those gaps.

• Seek visibility: Volunteer for high-profile projects and take on responsibilities that showcase your abilities.

• Mentorship and networking: Build relationships with mentors who can guide you and advocate for your advancement.

• Leverage internal resources: Take advantage of stretch assignments, mentorship programs, or industry events to gain insights and build connections

For those seeking a career change

Transitioning to a new industry requires a strategic approach to showcase your transferable skills and gain relevant experience. To ensure a seamless transition, focus on leveraging your existing strengths and building new capabilities.

• Assess your transferable skills: Identify skills from your current role that can be applied to your target industry. This may include leadership, project management, or data analysis.

• Gain insights into new fields: Research your target industry online, listen to podcasts, or follow experts and influencers on LinkedIn to build a deeper understanding.

• Short-term training: Enrol in certifications or courses to build credibility and demonstrate your commitment to the change.

• Build your network: Join professional associations, reconnect with past colleagues, and attend industry events to expand your connections.

• Adaptability: Demonstrate your ability to embrace change and learn quickly in new environments.

Updating your resume for maximum impact

Your resume is a key tool in your career journey. Tailor it to reflect your goals, whether you’re pursuing advancement or transitioning to a new field.

• For career advancement: Highlight achievements and recent contributions that demonstrate your readiness for a higher role.

• For career change: Emphasise transferable skills and relevant accomplishments that align with your target industry.

• Customisation: Tailor your resume to each job description, focusing on relevant skills and achievements.

• Showcase achievements: Quantify your accomplishments with specific metrics, such as "Increased sales by 30% in Q3."

• Update skills: Add any new technical, digital, or soft skills gained recently.

Download our e-guide for a comprehensive overview of how to write a resume in Australia.

Leveraging LinkedIn for career advancement

A polished LinkedIn profile is a useful tool for advancing your career or breaking into a new industry.

• Profile optimisation: Update your headline, summary, and skills to reflect your career goals.

• Networking tips: Reach out to professionals in your target industry for advice or connections.

• Engage with content: Share articles, post your insights, and comment on industry updates to build visibility and credibility.

Researching high-demand roles & industries

Understanding which skills and roles are in demand can help you position yourself for success, whether you’re advancing in your field or transitioning to a new one.

For advancers

Focus on growing roles within your current industry that align with your career goals. Some examples include:

• Popular skills: Upskilling in areas like digital marketing, data analysis, or leadership can make you more competitive for higher roles.

• Growing roles: Roles like project management, digital transformation leaders, or customer experience specialists are seeing strong demand in established industries like technology, finance, and healthcare.

• Emerging trends: Stay ahead by learning about industry-specific tools or certifications, such as agile methodologies or advanced analytics.

For career changers

Certain roles and industries are more open to professionals transitioning from different backgrounds. Focus on roles where your transferable skills are highly valued, such as:

• In-demand fields: Look into industries like renewable energy, technology, or healthcare, which are experiencing rapid growth.

• Welcoming roles: Positions such as account management, user experience (UX) design, business analysis, or HR consulting often value skills from diverse career paths.

• Resources: Explore job boards or professional networks to find roles specifically marketed to career changers and consider short courses or certifications to build credibility in your new field.

Bring your career goals to life

Making your next career move in 2025 can be a rewarding journey if approached with clarity and strategy. Whether you’re seeking to advance in your current role or transition to a new field, these actionable tips can help you achieve your goals. Start today by reflecting on your aspirations, planning your next steps, and then taking practical actions to make them a reality.

Take the first step now by exploring our current vacancies or checking out more career development advice.