If you’re anything like the professionals I coach, you’ve probably heard of SMART goals before. But when it comes to career development, are you actually using this framework to create goals that lead to meaningful progress?

I get it—career growth can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re juggling work, family and maybe even contemplating a job change after years with the same company. But setting the right goals can be your secret weapon to break through the noise and create the career you truly want.

So, let’s dive into how to craft SMART goals specifically tailored for career development.

What are SMART Goals?

Let’s start with the basics: SMART is an acronym for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound. It’s a simple framework that helps you clarify your goals, track your progress, and hold yourself accountable. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Specific: What exactly do you want to accomplish? The more detailed, the better.
• Measurable: How will you know when you’ve achieved it? Think metrics or milestones.
• Achievable: Is this goal realistic given your current resources and constraints?
• Relevant: Does this goal align with your career aspirations and values?
• Time-bound: What’s your deadline?

Follow through on creating your very own career development SMART goals using one of my favorite tools, my SMART goal worksheet, right here.

How to Use SMART Goals for Career Development

Start with the Big Picture: Before you get into the nitty-gritty, think about where you want your career to go. Do you want to move into leadership? Pivot to a different industry? Become a thought leader in your field?

For example, if your ultimate goal is to land an executive role, your SMART goals might focus on building leadership skills, expanding your professional network or earning a certification.

Break it Down: Big dreams are amazing, but they can also feel paralyzing if you don’t know where to start. Break your big-picture vision into smaller, actionable SMART goals. Example:

• Not SMART: “I want to get a promotion.”
• SMART: “I will schedule monthly meetings with my manager to discuss performance and identify a leadership opportunity within the next six months.”

Align Goals with Your Current Career Stage: Your goals should meet you where you are. If you’re early in your career, your SMART goals might focus on skill-building. If you’ve been in the same role for years, they might center around visibility and strategic relationships. Example:

• Not SMART: “I want to build my network.”
• SMART: “I will connect with five industry professionals on LinkedIn each week and schedule one informational interview per month for the next three months.”

Keep Your Goals Relevant: Your goals should align with your long-term career aspirations and your current role. Don’t set goals just because they sound impressive. Ask yourself:

• Does this goal align with where I want to go?
• Does it help me grow in my current position?
• Will it make me more marketable for future opportunities?

Set Deadlines and Celebrate Wins: One of the biggest mistakes I see is leaving goals open-ended. Without a deadline, procrastination creeps in. Give your goals a clear timeframe and celebrate small wins along the way. Example:

• Not SMART: “I want to improve my presentation skills.”
• SMART: “I will deliver a presentation to my team by the end of Q1 and ask for feedback to improve for my next project update.”

Pro Tips for your Career Development SMART Goals

• Write Them Down: Studies show you’re 42% more likely to achieve your goals if you write them down. Need a template? Click right here!
• Review and Adjust: Life happens. Check in with your goals monthly to ensure they’re still relevant and realistic.
• Get Accountability: Whether it’s a career coach (hey, that’s me!) or a trusted mentor, having someone to keep you accountable makes a world of difference.

Ready to Take Action?

If you’re ready to create career development SMART goals but don’t know where to start, I’ve got you covered. Whether it’s refining your resume, preparing for an interview, or planning a job pivot, I help professionals like you get clear on what they want and how to get it. Grab my SMART goal worksheet, right here and get started with your career development goals for free!

👉 Need an accountability partner to take your goals to the next level? Let’s work together to make your goals a reality. Book a free consultation at www.KrisRanda.com.

Your dream career is closer than you think—all it takes is the right goals and the courage to start.

Let’s make it happen!