With the country still feeling the aftershocks of the recession, employees may find it difficult to move up in their careers. You might be fighting an uphill battle against hiring freezes, furloughs, or even layoffs. Despite these circumstances, there are still some steps you can take to improve your chances of getting a promotion this year.
1. Talk with Your Boss
One of the simplest things you can do to put yourself closer to a promotion is talking with your boss. Let her know of your interest in moving up in the company and your long-term career goals. Ask her whether or not she feels you are on right track to a promotion, and if not, what you can do to change that. Even if your boss feels that you are not ready to move up, by opening the conversation you will be in a better position than before.
Your boss will also be more familiar with the protocol for being promoted and can give you some direction about the steps you need to take before moving up You might need to attain certain certifications, take some extra night classes or even go back to school for a second degree.
2. Improve Your Skills
Getting a promotion will result in added responsibilities. Make sure you have the right skills to handle your new tasks either by taking classes, studying relevant material or volunteering for extra projects. If you already talked to your boss about your aspirations for a promotion, she might give you assignments more closely related to the position you are seeking.
Keep in mind that getting a promotion is not just an increase in pay, but usually a change in job function as well. A promotion can lead to doing less technical work (what you were trained to do or what you went to school for) and doing more management. Make certain that this is what you want beforehand.
3. Network, Network, Network!
Everyone says that networking is crucial when searching for that dream job. What they often forget to mention is that it’s important in the workplace too. Meeting and befriending people at the office can open up new doors. You may meet others who have been promoted and can learn what steps they took. They can even share with you any obstacles that they encountered and give you advice so that you don’t fall prey to the same mistakes.
Networking will also increase your presence and visibility in the company. The more people that know who you are, and the better they think of you, the greater the chance you will have of getting a promotion.
4. Is a Promotion What You Really Want?
Last but not least, make sure a promotion is something that is right for you. Understand what it will take and decide whether or not it fits into your life schedule. A promotion may lead to staying late at work, coming in on weekends or making flights around the country.
If a promotion is something you want, don’t forget to keep your eyes on the goal. Getting to the position you ultimately dream of may take more than one move. Keep your target in mind and constantly work at improving your chance for a promotion.
Now Get Out There!
These are just some of the many steps you can do to ensure that you are next in line for a promotion. Putting each of them to practice at work will put you well on your way to moving up in the company. Sitting back and keeping quite about your desire for getting promoted will not get you anywhere, so speak up and do something about it.
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