7 Steps To Quickly Get Promoted At Work
Most of us want to work where we are appreciated, contributing, growing, and promoting along the way.
But how do you display your commitment, communicate your drive, and encourage your boss to give you that work promotion you know you could excel at?
Fret not – this 7 step guide will just about guarantee you get the role and pay you deserve.
1. Find A Growing Industry
If you’re currently on the hunt for a position, this is a critical consideration.
As you interview, don’t be afraid to ask about growth opportunities in the business.
If you hope to climb the corporate ladder, you want to work for a company that nurtures an individuals strengths and encourages advancement.
If you are currently employed, now is a great time to ask your boss what growth opportunities are available, how quickly people advance in the company, and how you can get on track to promote.
2. Understand Your Boss’s Expectations And Goals
If you are in a situation where you feel your job description is vague, it’s time to sit and have a discussion with your boss about his or her expectations of you.
Start by letting your boss know that you care deeply about being an asset to the business, and you want total clarity on how you can help achieve company goals.
Once you feel that you have a good picture of your bosses expectations, it’s time to ask, “What else can I do to help the business?”
This initiative will impress your employer, and it will also give you a good idea of how you can start moving the needle for your company beyond your regular day to day tasks.
3. Keep A Positive Attitude And Image
If you want to advance in your company, you’re going to need to be viewed as a leader.
And it’s no real secret that the best leaders keep their teams positive, and don’t engage in drama, complaining, or negativity.
But if you have already been swept up into some workplace drama, how can you change your environment now?
Forbes contributor Erika Anderson believes that assuming the best, and encouraging your peers to do the same, is the easiest way to decrease drama in the workplace,
“ I know that some people DO have negative intentions.
But until you have overwhelming proof that someone is lazy, incompetent, out to get you, not pulling their weight, etc…you’re going to get much better results by giving them the benefit of the doubt.
When someone else does something you don’t understand, or don’t expect, or especially if they do something that creates difficulty or inconvenience for you, try to have your first thought about them be,
‘I wonder what happened?’ rather than, ‘How could s/he do that to me?’ That will create a place for trust, collaboration, friendship and even love to take root and grow.”
4. Go Above And Beyond
Now it’s time to make your boss’s life easier in whatever way you can.
You know what your employer expects, so do that, and more. Stay late, show up early, and continually help in ways that aren’t required.
By consistently meeting and exceeding your companies expectations, you will prove that you are an indispensable employee.
5. Ask To Be Kept Up To Date On Job Openings
Make a friend in HR, or just let your boss know that you are interested in promoting, should a position open up.
Study the skills required for job openings, and work on finding ways that you can meet common requirements at your company.
Then apply, apply, and apply.
6. Ask For What You Want
If no positions are opening up, or you’re not selected for a promotion, it’s time to ask your employer directly for what you want.
But before you do, build your case.
Jason DeMers of Inc.com recommends,
“Put together a brief resume with specific examples of your performance and experience, or use a slideshow presentation to hit the highlights of your aspirations and your career thus far.
The more specific and detail-oriented you are throughout the presentation, the better. If you’re interviewing with multiple people, this can make a tremendous impression on the group.”
7. Go Somewhere Else
Knowing when you need to put more time in at a company to gain a bit more experience or seniority, and knowing when you need to move on to greener pastures is always a hard call to make.
But if you have committed to your company for a few years, have gone above and beyond the call of duty, and your company has no advancement opportunities for you, it may be time to move on.
If your business won’t reward your skills appropriately, another one will.
But a word of caution – always leave your job on good terms whenever possible.
Give a proper two weeks notice, and be willing to help train your successor. You never know when you may need your connections again in the future, and it’s best not to burn any bridges.
If you’re looking for the right job fit, we can help! Contact us at Infinity Staffing today.