Seven steps towards a promotion at work
1 LEARN A NEW SKILL
Show enthusiasm, determination and initiative for a new role by gaining any new skills required before applying for a promotion. Being qualified for the role will ensure you are job-ready from day one. Qualifications can range from a university degree or vocational certificate to completion of a short course in management skills.
2 SHOW INITIATIVE
If a task needs doing, do it. Exceed expectations in your current workload and volunteer to take on extra responsibility. Also look for ways to take on extra duties beyond your job description.
3 PERFORM OVER TIME
In some instances, a promotion occurs when the worker completes regular overtime. Employers, however, often are recognising their work ethic and commitment to the job, rather than their act of staying back to do more work. Show excellence, hard work and loyalty to the role over a sustained period.
4 FIND A MENTOR
A friend in a higher place can not only show you the ropes but be an ally on the inside. Mentors have already done the hard yards and understand how the organisation or industry works to help you become better at your role. They then understand your abilities
first-hand, to be able to recommend you for positions when they come available.
5 TALK TO YOUR MANAGER
Recruitment firm Michael Page International advises that it is crucial for the boss to support you in your move. Discuss your ambition with your manager to help them understand your professional goals so that they can help you reach them. This also helps to ensure you are considered when new or unadvertised positions come up.
6 CREATE YOUR OWN JOB
Research the organisation and determine what kind of position may suit the skills you bring even if it does not yet exist. Identify the benefit to the organisation if the position is created, then sell the idea to management. If the idea is rejected, at least you have shown creativity, an eagerness to see the organisation flourish and will be kept in mind for future opportunities.
7 DEVELOP A BRAND
A worker’s personal brand is essential when seeking a promotion. Workers who have a reputation for laziness, being unprofessional or incompetent rarely are offered a promotion.
Staff who are reliable, have a good reputation in the industry and perhaps are known as an expert in their field are more likely to move up the ranks.
