Looking to start the New Year with a bang? Then there’s no better time to start working towards that all-important promotion.
Every year thousands of hard working employees resolve to step up the career ladder. But there’s a lot more to it than simply asking the boss. For if you’re looking to make an impact you need a failsafe promotion plan in place right from the very start.
The beginning of a New Year is a great time to take stock of where you are in your career. Begin by evaluating your current responsibilities and performance.
Ask yourself how you come by your current position and what your key strengths and weaknesses are. Not only will this give you a confidence boost, it should also highlight any areas you may need to work on.
Next, have a think about where you want to be. This may sound simplistic but asking for a promotion is pointless if you have no idea what position, department or even branch you want to be in.
If you have a specific job title in mind, find out as much as you can about the position. The more you know, the more you can impress management and show them you’re the right person for the job.
Thinking about what you would want to achieve in your new position is also a good idea. So if your boss asks why they should give you a promotion, you’ll be ready with a list of goals and a practical explanation of how you can achieve them.
Talking to your immediate supervisor or manager is another step in the right direction. Too many people assume their boss knows their career plans and never discuss them openly.
By explaining you are interested in a promotion they may be able to tell you about upcoming opportunities or give you a good idea of what management are looking for.
Similarly, they could highlight possible problems or challenges you may have to address. For instance they could give you feedback on certain aspects of your performance or let you know of any skills or qualifications you may need before you can jump up the career ladder.
Act on everything they bring to your attention and put real effort into doing your job well. You want to prove you’ve got what it takes to move up – which means taking on more responsibilities, having pride in your work and gaining the appropriate skills required for promotion.
View work challenges as opportunities to prove how hard working and dedicated you are. Bosses love people who solve problems – even when they are not their own – and it’s those workers who end up being promoted.
Think too about what you wear to work. It may sound obvious but your appearance has a big impact on how your work colleagues and management see you. One good tip is to dress for the job you want, not the job you’re currently in. When you look the part, it’s far easier for you to fit in when you do land that promotion.
If you work in a large company it can sometimes be hard to stand out from the crowd. But networking and making a conscious effort to meet new people in your industry can pay real dividends.
Not only could you learn of upcoming job opportunities or meet someone who already holds the position you’re going for, it raises your profile within the company itself. So next time someone brings up chat of promotion or a new job, your name will spring to mind.
Volunteering for inter-departmental projects or joining other work-based groups are great ways to get noticed and help raise your profile. This will also let your boss see that you are a team player and enjoy working with your colleagues.
If you don’t already keep a record of your work achievements, it’s time to start writing everything down. Whether it’s record sales figures, a boost in productivity or fantastic feedback from clients you need evidence of your continual success. Spending just a few minutes each week updating your records will save a lot of time later on.
Finally, timing is crucial when asking for a promotion. Think about where the company is financially and whether or not there are opportunities available. If not bide your time and continue working hard, building up your portfolio until the time is right.
By concentrating on doing a fantastic job, getting noticed and above all having a plan your chances of promotion will greatly increase
