Are you ambitious, assertive, and people-oriented? Do you like to plan, delegate responsibilities, help people achieve more, and solve problems? Then you’ve got the traits to become a great manager! If you’re a Millennial, you probably have your sights set on a managerial (or better) leadership position in a short time frame. According to Deloitte research, 44 percent of Millennials expect to leave their current employer within two years, and presumably even more would expect to either move on or up, whichever presented the best opportunity for advancement.

If you see yourself as a managerial candidate within the next two years, here are the steps we advise taking in the interim:

Inventory Your Strengths and Weaknesses

Even great managers cannot honestly claim to be strong in every managerial trait. Part of what enables less-than-perfect people to overcome their weaknesses is the willingness to be introspective and honest about your strengths and weaknesses, what you enjoy, and what you don’t. From there, you can make the necessary changes. Perhaps you need to develop patience or public communication skills. You may discover in an honest assessment of yourself that you don’t actually enjoy some of the roles of a manager, such as getting the most out of selfish or difficult people.

Make Career Allies

Lay the groundwork for a promotion or advancement through another employer by establishing critical career connections. Do this by developing your contacts on LinkedIn (search for the many articles we have published on this topic). Meet local industry peers and leaders at Meetup events and professional association meetings. Network through the people you know by letting them know you would appreciate introductions to people who may be able to point you toward potential career advancement opportunities.

Discuss Your Aspirations

Turn your career allies into advocates by talking about your career passions with them. What do you envision being able to do for your present or future employer as a manager? What skills are you presently developing that you feel would be of value to an organization? Talk with your current boss. Let them know that you have objectively assessed your own strengths and weaknesses and would like their support as you further develop yourself into a strong managerial candidate.

Demonstrate Your Capabilities

Be assertive at work. Be on the lookout for opportunities to showcase your developing skills by taking on “stretch projects.” These collaborative projects enable you to work as part of a team and develop your skills, while not having the pressure you would as a manager taking on such a challenge for the first time. Look for opportunities outside of your present employment, with professional associations, in volunteer gigs, or on nonprofit boards such as your HOA. Projects balance your need for managerial experience with the ability to learn in the process.

Develop Two Roadmaps

Let’s face it. Your future as a manager may be with your organization or with another organization. You want to put yourself in the best possible position to succeed, so you need a plan for both possibilities. Compile a to-do list for each possibility by adding to it each day. Once you’ve got what appears to be a fairly comprehensive list of steps, refine them into sequential plans, or turn-by-turn roadmaps.

Fine-Tune Your Resume with Expert Guidance

Once you have taken the above steps, talk to an Imprimis recruiter about your progress. We can help you to fine-tune your resume, cover letter, and LinkedIn profile to reflect your talent and achievements. There are many employers searching for the right managerial prospects, and you just may be the ideal fit.

If you have taken these steps already, it’s time to take the next step and schedule a meeting with an Imprimis recruiter. Call us today at (972) 419-1700.