Try these career-boosting strategies to get out of the doldrums, writes Kristie Kellahan.

It's hard not to get resentful when you see a colleague shooting up the corporate ranks without so much as an awkward pay negotiation.

Jealousy is part and parcel of being a human being.

But career advisers say rather than churning energy into envy, you should channel it into giving your own career a kickstart.

A handful of smart strategies could get you humming along the road to a more fulfilling working life.

One tactic is to improve your emotional intelligence, or EQ.

Emotional intelligence is the ability to understand and manage feelings and interact with others in a healthy way.
 
It's also a key factor in career success, says Max Coaching's senior manager and career coach, Jane Lowder.

"Studies have found that IQ by itself does not serve as a very good predictor of job performance," she says.

"In fact, one particular study found that social and emotional abilities were four times more important than IQ in determining professional success and prestige."

While some people seem to have an innately high emotional intelligence, studies suggest even relative dummies can boost their performance through practice.

"Happily, EQ is something you can proactively improve upon, and know that it will make a positive difference to your career," Lowder says.

EQ comprises capability in self-awareness, self-management, social awareness and social skill.

Developing your abilities in these areas means answering key questions:
How well do you understand your strengths and areas for development?
Are you aware of the emotional temperature of those around you?
Do you know who's bored, who's motivated, who needs a greater challenge or who needs recognition?
Do you contribute to fostering a positive and productive team environment?

Another tip for escaping the career doldrums is recognising the power your boss wields in your rise through the ranks.

In You Can't Win a Fight with Your Boss, author Tom Markert writes that bosses are a conduit to moving forward and you are stuck without their support.

He says the quickest way to get ahead is to get your boss promoted by making him or her look good.

"Clear the way for your boss's success, because your boss's success can be your success," he says.
 
"Remember, your boss has conversations with his or her boss about your career and a couple of carefully chosen words can push you forward or stop you dead."

You should also ensure that you're a good fit for your job.

Stephen Lording, National Practice Manager at LINK Recruitment, says the smartest move you can make is to find a job you're truly passionate about.

"You spend a lot of time working, and obviously it's going to be very hard work if you don't love what you do," he says.

Linked to this is ensuring your company shares your values and beliefs, while offering you opportunities to develop skills.
"We would advise doing research to assess whether there's a good cultural alignment between you and any company you consider working with," Lording says.
 
"The best companies give you the opportunity to grow and develop; in fact they value that as part of an employee's process."

Markert agrees your choice of company is vital.

A modestly paid workplace where you make good contacts is more beneficial to your career than a well-paid but toxic workplace.

Markert says the smartest candidates think long-term, understanding that awesome spots in great companies are rare.

Focus on the job at hand and acquiring as many skills as you can. The money will come later.
 
Finally, you should prepare today for the job you want tomorrow.

"Avoid becoming so focused on what you need to do in the current role that you overlook preparation for the next one," Lowder says.
 
"If you are a Sales Representative and your goal is to become a Sales Manager, sign up now for management courses."

Always look for opportunities to contribute in a way that will help you reach your career goals.

Using the example of an HR candidate seeking a role in recruitment and retention, Lowder says the person could assist if opportunities on those projects arose.

"Preparing for your future role demonstrates your commitment to career progression, builds the relevant knowledge and skills and enables you to hit the ground running," Lowder says.