Whether you’ve been in employment for years, or are a newbie that’s already destined for more responsibility, getting promoted at work is something most people strive for. This feeling of accomplishment is something that boosts confidence and helps people to work harder and smarter to prove their value.
If there’s an opening you’re perfect for, then go for it, what have you got to lose? However, promotions, in some instances, are hard to come by. If the opportunity isn’t apparent, then you could try a proactive approach to making the prospect happen. Ok, so walking in and demanding one isn’t the right approach. But what can you do to make sure you’re in the right position to approach the subject?
Looking at your current performance and responsibilities is always a great starting point. If you can comfortably say you’re meeting specific criteria, then it’ll give you the boost to make your case.
How can you set yourself up for a promotion at work? Take a look at some of the critical areas to consider below:
Look at your past work performance reviews
Most companies will have a performance review process, and this is a great time to approach the subject of the future of your career. However, these often only come once a year. If you’re not due one for a while, then take a look back at your records and analyze the comments and findings. You should have access to your own points and that of your employers, and it’ll give you a chance to look back over goals and objectives set by each of you. When looking at these, it’s vital to identify any areas that you are still yet to improve upon and tackle these first. This way, you’ll be in an excellent position to talk about your future.
If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door – Milton Berle.
Consider improving your skills
For some roles, professional qualifications may be required. Even if they are not, in some cases, undertaking further study can improve your chances of promotion. If you’d like to progress in your career and become a specialist in the sector, why not look at postgraduate online MBA degrees to enhance your knowledge. These courses are designed so that they fit around your current commitments and are a valuable investment in your future if you’re looking to get ahead.
Undertaking this type of learning also shows your employer that you are passionate about furthering your skills and broadening your knowledge in the chosen field. The transferable skills you learn in this environment are also valuable for the workplace and can help to improve productivity and time-management in your job. Some of the skills you’ll learn include:
• Critical-thinking
• Decision-making
• Listening effectively
• Presentation skills
• Digital skills
• Organization and time management
To level up your life, it is important to level up your mind. – Ishita Srivastava
Take the opportunity to network with all levels of staff
Networking isn’t just beneficial for external reasons; it’s also crucial in-house too. Take every opportunity to engage and interact with people at all levels, especially if there’s an invitation to do this outside of the working environment. Much like every average person, your bosses are just like you. They have families, hobbies, and passions, and it’s helpful to build a relationship with people at all levels in your organization to show what kind of person you are – your personality and characteristics. That’s not to say you should approach the big boss while they’re tucking into their dinner at the Christmas party, but showing you’re approachable and easy to talk to can open up a conversation in the future.
Don’t be afraid to ask
If you feel you’re in the right place in your career and want to take the next step, you may have to bite the bullet and ask for that promotion. However, that’s only if you can recognize a gap that you could fill. If you can, then it’s a great idea to have a chat with your employer to see if it could be a viable option. Instead of outright asking, you could also approach the subject in a different way, such as talking to them about the future and where you see yourself in the next few years. If there’s not an immediate opening, this will ensure they know you’re ready to take the next step when it becomes available.
Become a team player
Promotion often sees a level of management come into play. You may be managing a small team or larger workforce, or perhaps individual projects on an ad-hoc basis. Whatever role you play, getting promoted will come with more responsibility that will involve a team effort.
A great way to put yourself at the forefront of team dynamics is to offer to help when appropriate and put in that extra effort when projects are tight. Teams work well when everyone collaborates evenly, so ensuring you’re a valuable member of this will ensure that when the time comes for promotion, your colleagues have your back.
Show pride in your work
Of course, if you love what you’re doing, you’re naturally going to want to progress to the next stage. Showing pride in everything you do, even those mundane tasks, can show employers just how much you enjoy your job and your passion for completing a task to the best of your ability.
Be a positive influence
Work environments can be stressful, but for the most part, they are innovative workspaces that allow you to unleash your creativity and passions. For those wanting a promotion at work, becoming this positive influence on others can boost your chances of being selected. If you’re able to keep you cool and solve problems in a controlled manner, this also shows other employees that there are fewer reasons to stress, and everything can be solved with some intelligent solutions.
Show your natural leader abilities
Some people are natural leaders. People such as this can manage others and their individual needs, and get the most out of them while ensuring they feel valued. If this is your superpower, then show it off. Helping colleagues rather than going over them is something a good manager portrays. Plus, raising people up and celebrating everyone’s achievements is a great way to showcase your passion for the job.
Consider other department promotion opportunities
If the opportunity is not present in your current department, why not consider other roles in the company. Just because you work in one capacity, it doesn’t mean your skills are not transferable to others. If you have a higher qualification, such as a master’s degree in business, you could find you’re suitable for a range of company roles outside of your usual remit. If you’re keen to make the progression to the next stage, don’t be afraid to take the leap. Managers are often appreciative of the fact that people move on and want to progress in their career, so if you’re a good fit for the job, then they’ll probably give you a gleaming reference to help you take the next step.
You will know when you are ready to ask for the promotion you want, but take note of the above tips if you want to better your chances of hearing that small three-letter word: Yes!
