Linda Louie, a career development program manager at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, shares insights on coping with the challenges of starting a new job. Drawing from her experience as a career adviser for doctoral and postdoc students, Louie emphasizes that feelings of frustration and self-doubt are normal, and recommends having key conversations with managers and proactively aligning job responsibilities with personal strengths.

Being good at your job isn't always enough to get promoted. Today, moving up in your career requires being proactive, investing in the right skills, and closing the visibility gap. "The visibility gap is the difference between the work you do and what decision-makers actually notice," says STEM career consultant Kate Williamson. "To close it, you need to make your impact visible and easy to understand."

Giving feedback requires courage, especially if the input is negative, since no one wants to get a defensive response, writes Shari Harley, founder and president of Candid Culture, who recommends putting people at ease by asking for feedback, defining what type it should be, thanking them for giving it and deferring any response to negative feedback for later. "You're not being dismissive; you're ensuring your emotions don't take over. If you want to have a second conversation, have it within a week," Harley advises.

Layoffs are difficult for everyone involved, but managers, especially, need training in how to deliver the news and take time to empathize with those losing their jobs, according to those responding to a Preply survey. The majority wanted managers to explain the reasons for termination more clearly, especially when it involved performance, so that they could improve for their next position, the survey found.

The US job market is experiencing a "Great Freeze," characterized by low hiring and low layoffs. Companies are hesitant to let go of employees due to economic uncertainty, but are also not adding new positions. This environment offers job security but limits career growth and makes it difficult for job seekers to find new opportunities

Considering a move from government work to higher education? Discover how your skills translate into academic impact.

Visibility and recognition are vital for career success, especially for women facing unique challenges in their professional advancement. This article discusses how to achieve visibility and recognition and why it is essential for your leadership trajectory.