Karren Brady on how to fix your career in 2025 – from nailing an interview to getting a pay rise and avoiding burnout
FROM nailing an interview to getting a pay rise, navigating the career ladder can be tricky.
Follow Karren Brady’s top tips to give your work life a makeover in 2025.
Nailing a job interview
Be prepared: It’s key to do your research on the company and the role. Being able to discuss the firm’s values and aims, as well as explaining clearly how you can contribute to those, shows you’re serious and can be an asset.
Have a strong handshake, smile and make eye contact: Small gestures make a big impact and set a positive tone.
Let your personality shine: Relax and be yourself! They want to know who they’ll be working with: your enthusiasm, creativity and energy will make a lasting impression.
Display confidence: Speak with assurance about your skills and experiences. Ahead of the interview, write down three key achievements you want to tell them about.
Be truthful, clear and concise: Stay focused, answer questions thoughtfully, but don’t ramble, and always be honest.
Changing careers
Gain experience: Look for new roles that bring you closer to your desired field. It’s a great way to learn, network and test out whether this is the right move for you.
Network with the right people: Attend events, join groups and connect with like-minded individuals for support. You never know where the right opportunity will come from.
Be resilient: Changing careers takes time. Don’t get discouraged – all your hard work will pay off.
Be open to starting small: Entry-level positions can lead to bigger opportunities and will give you the chance to gain experience in a lower-pressure environment.
Learn constantly: Always be willing to pick up new skills. The more knowledge you gain, the better prepared you’ll be.
Getting a promotion
Know your worth: It’s important to own your achievements and the value you bring – don’t downplay your impact. Throughout the year, write down your professional achievements so that you have a list when it comes to review and promotion time.
Don’t fear being assertive: It’s natural to want to be liked, but speak up about your ambitions, otherwise how is anyone supposed to know you would like more responsibility? Asking for what you deserve is about standing up for your future.
Believe in your abilities: Confidence is everything. Trust that you’re ready for growth and recognition, and be ready to convince your boss of it, too.
Don’t wait for perfection: If you’re ready, go for it! Don’t hold back just because you don’t tick every box. You can grow on the job. After all, if you could do a new job standing on your head, it probably won’t be challenging enough for you.
Be your own advocate: Once you realise you’re your own biggest supporter, everything changes. Embrace your power and claim the recognition you deserve. Share your professional achievements on LinkedIn, and tell your friends and wider network. If you can’t shout about yourself, who will?
Asking for a pay rise
Choose the right moment: Timing is key. Ask for a raise after you’ve achieved a big win or when your value is fresh in your boss’ mind.
Back up your request with results: Use concrete examples of your success: targets met, projects delivered and positive feedback received. Numbers speak volumes when you’re trying to negotiate for more money.
Frame it positively: Position your request as a discussion, not a demand. Use phrases like: “I’d like to talk about my growth and contribution to the team.” Remember that your boss doesn’t have to give you a pay rise, so it’s up to you to try to influence them into making that decision, and being courteous will go a long way.
Practise the conversation: Rehearse your pitch with a trusted friend or family member. Be concise and confident, anticipate questions and practise calm, clear responses.
Don’t be afraid of no: Rejection isn’t personal. If it’s a no, ask for feedback and what you need to do for it to be a yes next time, so that you have something to work towards.
Dealing with work politics
Address conflicts head-on: Tackle issues with open, face-to-face discussions that start with: “I have noticed that. . .” or: “When this happens, I feel. . .” so the other person doesn’t feel attacked.
Don’t take it personally: Office politics often stem from others’ insecurities. Remove emotion from the issue and focus on the actual problem.
Clarify roles and responsibilities: Many conflicts arise from unclear expectations. Define everyone’s role to prevent misunderstandings.
Set boundaries Be firm and let people know that disruptive behaviour isn’t acceptable.
Be patient: Building trust and resolving issues takes time. Stay consistent and true to yourself.
Avoiding burnout
Break down your goals: Instead of focusing on the long-term, take one step at a time with smaller, more manageable tasks.
Share the load: Divvy up responsibilities among the rest of your team to create space for balance and, if possible, free you up to explore projects that bring you energy.
Prioritise yourself: Take a step back and focus on what brings you joy. Your mental wellbeing should always come first.
Consider a change: Explore new job opportunities. A shift in environment and fresh challenges can reignite your motivation.
Juggling parenting and work
Make space for your home life: Define work hours and family time to maintain balance.
Prioritise tasks: Focus on what’s important, and what’s time-sensitive. Use lists or apps to keep track and avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Remove the guilt: Not able to do school pick-up every day? It’s OK! You’re doing your best and can’t do everything all the time.
Ask for help: Don’t hesitate to lean on others, – you don’t have to do it all alone. And offer to return the favour when you can, so you build a network of people you can turn to without guilt.
Be flexible: Things won’t always go according to plan. Be prepared to adapt and adjust when needed, whether it’s at work or home.