Use This Career Path Template to Help Your Employees Plan Their Futures
It’s no secret that today’s employees are looking for more than just a job; they’re looking for a career with opportunities for growth and development. More than half of U.S. employees – 51% – surveyed in a recent Gallup poll said they were actively looking or keeping an eye out for new jobs.
While pay and benefits are often a primary reason for leaving, the desire for advancement is also a significant factor.
The good news? You can address this desire for growth and boost engagement by providing your employees with a clear path forward.
Read on to learn more about using our free downloadable career path template for employees.
What is a Career Path Template?
A career path template is a tool for an employee and a manager, a structured document that helps an employee visualize their professional journey within a company. This document outlines skills, experiences, and goals needed to move from one role to the next.
HR and business leaders use these templates to nurture talent and foster a culture of development, the benefits of which help offset disengagement at work. Gallup found that only 31% of employees strongly agree that they are encouraged to develop at work.
Benefits of Using a Career Path Template
If you have the chance to use a career path template—or take part in broader career development—don’t hesitate. These tools can make a real difference for your business. Here are a few key benefits:
Improved Employee Engagement and Retention
Employees presented with opportunities to learn and grow at work are more likely to be engaged. This can lead to an 18% increase in profit and a 14% increase in productivity (Gallup).
A More Skilled and Adaptable Workforce
Close the skill gaps and prepare your workforce for challenges ahead by providing clear areas of development. A 2025 McKinsey survey highlighted that many organizations still have fragmented employee development, with 26% of employees reporting no feedback in the past year.
Enhanced Performance Management
Career planning templates provide a framework for meaningful conversations between managers and employees, moving beyond traditional performance reviews to proactive coaching.
Attracting Top Talent
In a competitive job market where half of all U.S. employees are open to new opportunities, offering a clear path for growth is a powerful recruitment tool.
What’s Included in the Career Path Template?
Our free career path template simplifies the process for managers and employees. It includes:
- Current Role and Responsibilities: What’s the employee’s current position and key duties? That’s the starting point, and make sure they are clearly defined.
- Desired Future Roles: What roles is the employee interested in? Have a section where the employee can identify them, including short-term and long-term positions.
- Required Skills and Competencies: This is a breakdown of the technical, leadership, and soft skills needed for advancement.
- Actionable Development Plan: What training courses, mentorship, or on-the-job projects are needed to acquire new skills? Outline these specific steps.
- Timeline and Milestones: You’ll need a clear schedule to track progress and celebrate achievements along the way.
Can I Customize the Career Path Template?
Of course! We recognize that your organization has its own unique structure and roles. So, the template is fully customizable to fit your needs. You can easily adapt it to specific departments, skill sets, and career ladders. This flexibility allows you to create a personalized, visual guide that truly reflects your company’s opportunities and your employees’ aspirations.