8 Tips on Improving Your Chances for a Promotion
This is a guest post by Steve Waller. If you want to guest post on this blog, check out the guidelines here.
It’s never too early to think about promotion. In today’s job market you need to be ambitious and driven if you don’t want to get pushed out by others who spot gaps that could have been filled by you. If you don’t take the initiative and make it known that you want to be considered for promotion then you will probably get overlooked for someone more enthusiastic.
1. Make your successes known
- Your bosses will be interested in what you have done for the company; if they’re going to pay you more money they will want to be sure you are worth it. Ensure you keep a record of any good results that have come from your hard work. If you receive comments from clients, for example an email saying how pleased they were with you, then keep this to show your bosses. Senior members of staff may not be aware of every instance where you did well, so you may need some evidence to back it up.
2. Take the time to find a mentor
- It may seem like something you could do without, but having a mentor will help you in the long run. You should take the time to find a colleague who is higher in the company than you are. Some companies have their own mentoring scheme, but if yours does not then go out of your way to find someone who is willing. Use their knowledge and expertise; they may well prove very useful if you are being considered for promotion.
3. Sell yourself
- If you don’t sell yourself then no-one else will. There’s no need to be pushy, but you do need to self promote. There is nothing wrong with sending your boss a monthly update on the progress of your work, and you should make sure they are aware that you are seeking promotion.
4. Network
- The more people you know the better! Make them aware of your skills and achievements; it’s amazing how many times you might be mentioned at meetings and networking events. Most importantly, construct a strong working relationship with your boss. Use appraisals of your performance to discuss how you might work on your targets toward promotion.
5. Gain new skills
- It should be fairly obvious, but gaining new skills will always put you in a better position for promotion. It shouldn’t matter what your profession, you should always be looking for opportunities to continue your professional development. Keep up to date with all the advances in your sector, but also pay attention to what is happening in other areas.
6. Request more responsibility
- It is often the case that employees get passed up for promotion because their bosses were not aware that they were that interested. Even of you do state that you are interested, for example on your application form, this can be forgotten years down the line. By directly asking for more responsibility, you are reminding your boss that you would like to be considered for promotion opportunities.
7. Be professional
- Always dress appropriately, don’t complain when things are not going well and don’t spring for the door as soon as the clock strikes the end of the working day. Employers love to see employees they can be proud of, and they want to know that you will put in extra time if needed. In addition, it is essential that you are a team player.
8. Make your own opportunities
- There is no harm in spotting a gap within your organization and writing a proposal to your boss. If you have the necessary skills and they don’t go for the idea then at least you have had the guts to try something new.
Lahesha assists individuals with defining their passion, role and strengths in order to maximize their God-given potential. As a career coach, she focuses on the total person by helping individuals align their lifestyle, talents and abilities with the career that God intended for them to have. Click below to submit your resume for a FREE REVIEW.
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