After working the same job for awhile, you may start getting an itch for a promotion. If you get it, not only are you making more money, but suddenly you have new responsibilities and extra authority among your coworkers. It’s a positive sign that a measure of respect, recognition and trust have been placed in you by your supervisor and higher-ups. The problem is, your co-workers may be gunning for that same position, so what can you do to rise above the competition?
Although every company is different, here are some helpful general guidelines you can follow that apply to the majority of modern workplaces:
Educate Yourself
Start researching the responsibilities, knowledge and other expectations that come with position X. Knowing all there is about the job can help you map out an educational plan and time table you can follow to obtain all the necessary qualifications for advancement. And don’t be shy about asking your boss about what you can learn to help prepare you. When it’s time to make that big leap from clerk to manager, you’ll be fully equipped with all the intelligence you need for success.
Put In Your Time…Don’t Rock The Boat!
Don’t think that just because your first three months were exemplary that entitles you to a promotion. An employer might want to see how you work out for the long term before bumping you up the food chain. Decisions like this usually can’t be made on short term performance. And they may have other considerations you aren’t aware of, like veteran employees who may be entitled to a promotion before you.
Stand Out
Put in extra hours when asked, go beyond expected obligations, ensure your work is consistent and correct, always be on time. Don’t go as far as to suck up to the boss every time you see them in the hallway but at the same time you don’t want to just be someone that clocks in and clocks out. Give them lot’s reasons why you’re the person to fill that slot!
Think from Management’s Perspective
What traits would you be looking for if you had to decide who to promote? Try to objectively evaluate yourself against the criteria you think they will be considering. Are you reliable? Punctual? Are you respected by your peers? Do you solve problems independently, make your own decisions when appropriate, communicate effectively? Once you’ve taken stock of where your strengths are, work to improve on areas where you might not be “promotion material” yet.
Ask Those That Know
There were people before you in the same position and they may have valuable advice and guidance on ways to advance within your company.
- How much preparation was required?
- Who was the best supervisor to approach?
- Did they ask for an advancement opportunity in person or begin with a note or email?
- How long can a new employee expect to wait before consideration?
Time it Right
Take note of how your company has been doing and what kind of mood your boss has been in lately. If the company’s fortunes are in the toilet and your supervisor is inspiring fear on account of his moodiness, you might want to wait for sunnier days before inquiring about advancement opportunities.
Don’t Do It For The Money
A bigger salary doesn’t always equal job satisfaction. Many people have taken new positions they absolutely hated just so they could have a few extra bucks in their wallet. Not even a new plasma screen television could shake the feeling of dread knowing in the back of their mind they had to go to work at their new (and despised) post the next day.
Remember, you should be moving up because you’re welcoming the additional responsibility, challenges and a sense of genuine career fulfillment. By advancing in doing what you love you will ensure you remain committed to your work and upward momentum. And by doing so, money and success will be right on your tail
Tags: career skills, job advancement, promotion
I have to say the last part couldn’t remain more true. too often i chased the money and there was no satisfaction to be had.
know what you’re getting into or “look before you leap!”