How to Get a Promotion at Work

How to Get a Promotion at WorkHow to Get a Promotion at WorkThat aufsteigen youve been waiting for may not just happen. You might have to work for it proactively. Then you may need to ask for it, diplomatically. And then, gracefully, you will accept it. Heres how. Set Yourself Up for a Promotion Before you get totakethe next steponthe career ladder, you have to prove that youve excelled at the one youreon. Before you seek a promotion, make sure you can say all of the following things about your current performance. Youre doing a great job.The way in which you perform in your current position is going to be key when youre considered for a promotion. Excellent performance reviews and your reputation as an above-average employee carry weight. Make sure you establish concrete performance objectives with your supervisor. If your anfhrer is not inclined to specify goals with you, then compile a draft of goals and ask your supervisor to approve them. Whenever possible, identify objectiv es that are well-aligned with departmental priorities and any of your supervisors projects. Provide written notes (email is fine) on a regular basis to your boss on your progress toward performance objectives, whetzu sich requested or not. Youre a team player.Volunteer to help with new projects. Serve on committees or task forces. Offer to help your boss and coworkers whenever time permits. When there is a crisis or time of peak demand in your department, put in the extra effort to address the issue. Youll be known as a team player and someone that colleagues want to work with. Align yourself with colleagues who are viewed positively by management and avoid association with malcontents. You dont miss work.Be on time and dont take mora days off than you are allocated. If youre known as a sloucher it will be held against you. You networkeffectively.Attend company parties and gatherings. The more connected and engaged you are with your colleagues, the more youll stand out when it comes time to consider you for promotion. Try to develop a personal relationship with your supervisor. Managers are more likely to promote an employee they know well than an unknown applicant. Youre upping your skills.If your company offers opportunities for professional development classes, take as many as you can. If your skills need updating or advancing, take continuing education or college classes. Pursue any certifications in your field that will enhance your marketability. Be Prepared to Ask Your employer may recognize your star qualities and offer you a promotion. Or not. If everyone is thrilled with your performance in your current job, you might have to make them aware that youre ready and eager to take on the next step. Talk with your boss about opportunities for promotion within the department, if that appears to be an option. Looking Outside the Department If theres no opportunity for advancement within your department, look for an opportunity elsewhere in the compan y. Always let your boss know that you are interviewing for a new position. You dont want the boss to get the news from a human resources person orfromthe manager of another department. Let her know that you appreciate her mentoring to this point and would like her support in the next phase of your career. You can lay the groundwork for this by discussing your career plans and aspirations as part of your performance reviews. Try to set the tone that you are in this together. Most large companies and many smaller companies list job openings on thecompany website. Some positions may be open to internal candidates prior to being availabletoexternal applicants, so youll have a jump on the competition. Check regularly for new listings and apply for jobs that are a good fit for your background and experience. Dont Assume Youll Get the Job As an internal candidate you may have an edge, but that doesnt mean the job is in the bag. Take the time to update yourresumeand write atargeted cove r letterfor the job, just as you would for an outside company. Follow the application process-if there is one-for internal job postings. Get references, too. Aletter of recommendation for a promotionfrom your current supervisor(or another manager youve worked with)will carry a lot of weight. Now all you have to do is ace thejob promotion interviewand send athank you email messageto everyone you interviewed with, reiterating your interest in the position. Moving on Gracefully If all goes well and youre offered the promotion, take the time to say goodbye toyour current coworkersand to let them know youll stay in touch. Be sure you wait until the company formally announces your promotion to make your graceful exit. If you dont get the promotion, and it does happen, heres the best way to handle the situation. 133 Watch Now 8 Tips For Getting Ahead At Work