Even if your job is absolutely secure, you may not want to stay in the same position for the rest of your life. At the very least, you probably want a promotion or a raise. And if your job isn’t absolutely guaranteed, it probably doesn’t hurt to widen your options. These four steps can help you move at least a little along your career path, without having to start a job search tomorrow.

1. Read the Want-Ads: While I wouldn’t suggest ignoring any jobs that really appeal to you, we aren’t here to find you a new job just yet. Instead, it’s time to take a look at what position you’d like but are still a little out of reach. Look at what places them out of reach: is there a certification you don’t have? A certain skill set that’s missing? Make a list of what you need to move forward — maybe you aren’t planning for your next job, but the job after that. Start working on that list: get your certifications, experience and everything else you need in order as soon as you can.
2. Take a Look at a Resume Book: Go to your favorite bookstore and look through the books of sample resumes. No resume is perfect, but if you look at enough of them, you’ll start to see what works and what doesn’t. In particular, look at resumes from other members of your industry. If you don’t buy the books, at least take notes — and when you get home, start implementing them. Play around with your resume: it’s definitely better to spend time trying things out now when you aren’t in a rush to get that resume into a hiring manager.
3. Google Your Name: Take a look at what comes up for your name — you can be sure that a prospective employer will, and your boss might as well. If anything appears that makes you look like a problem rather than a professional, try to remedy the situation. You may be able to remove some items yourself, but you may have to concentrate on creating better search results for your name rather than trying to get someone else to take something down.
4. Set Yourself A Side Project: I know that no one wants extra work on top of their normal load, but it will be worthwhile to take on a project under your own initiative on the side. You can choose a project at your current employer, which will likely earn you a few brownie points, or do something entirely on your own. If you do decide to take on a work project, try to do at least a little groundwork before bringing the matter to the attention of higher-ups. They’ll consider you to have initiative. Home projects should still tie in to your current career (unless you’re planning a change some time soon), but you’ll want to be careful of how closely they tie into your current work: you could step on your employer’s toes, otherwise.

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