New research suggests that job confidence is on the up.

Three quarters of people surveyed have maintained or increasedconfidence levels in their job, according to a survey by the National Careers Service. And nearly two thirds of employed people feel they could find a new job, that they want, within six months.

But for the less confident, career issues – such as skills and experience – is holding them back. So, here are some top tips to help you on your way to career confidence.

Stay up to date with relevant qualifications and training

The UK economy has seen massive changes in the last few years, with many organisations needing to become more flexible. By identifying the needs of your employer, you can take steps to ensure your skills and qualifications continue to match your job requirements. If you feel like you’re not quite there and need a boost, it may be possible to undertake on-the-job training or study for a qualification. Asking your line manager about opportunities will show your commitment to your job – it’s a good way to get noticed for the right reasons.

Be flexible and adaptable

As an organisation grows and develops, you may find that you are asked to take on tasks which you are unfamiliar with. Never say no until you’ve given something a go. You might find a whole new strength or area of interest you had not previously considered. If you try out something new and it hasn’t worked out for you, it’s fine to discuss with your manager why you feel your strengths lay elsewhere, but always show willing.

Be positive and proactive

A positive attitude is one of the most important things in gaining job confidence. Not only will this make you seem more professionally approachable, but it will also make you more personable to your colleagues. Don’t get downcast if something doesn’t go your way. Seek out new opportunities and you might find something that you really love and are good at. By doing something that makes you happy and plays to your strengths, you will immediately feel better about your job.

Being positive may not be easy, but it can contribute to your confidence in the workplace. Identify times when you felt negative and step back to reflect on the situation. Can you change it for the positive?

Build on your strengths

Although it’s good to acknowledge your weaknesses, focus on what you do well and try to build on it. By developing your strengths, you will feel happier focusing on what you enjoy and will do a better job.

Don’t ignore your weaknesses, however. When you’re feeling more confident, it won’t seem so daunting to work on other areas that need development.

People often struggle to name four of their strengths. Look at what you do every day: why are you good at the job? Why do people trust you? How do you manage to keep on top of the demands at work? Consider a mixture of your skills, knowledge and personal qualities, then see if there are openings at work to put these to use.

Challenge yourself

One of the key things to job confidence comes with feeling you are doing a good job. If you are just going through the motions and clocking up the hours, you won’t feel good about getting up and going to work every day. It is equally important to challenge your fears to learn something new and to achieve more. This often makes people feel good and can provide you with a sense of achievement and growth.

Get to know yourself: identify areas of development and make a commitment to change.

Trudy Nieto is a team leader for the National Careers Service.

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