Getting a promotion can be tricky. It's not just about doing your job well, but also about showing your potential, building good relationships at work and positioning yourself for future opportunities. Whether you're new to your job or have been working for a while, here are some friendly tips to help you get towards that promotion you want;
Know What You Want
Think about where you'd like to be in a few years -what kind of domain-depth would you want to develop? What makes you excited about work? What are areas that you feel passionate about?
For example, if you like helping the environment and you work with numbers, maybe you could suggest ways to save money that are also good for the planet. This shows you're thinking about how to help the company in big ways.
Do Your Current Job Really Well
It's easy to just do the usual stuff, but try to do a bit extra when you can. Go beyond your job role!
Let's say you help customers. After you fix their problem, you could check back with them later to make sure they're happy. This shows you really care about doing a good job.
Ask How You Can Do Better
Don't wait for your yearly review. Ask your boss or coworkers how you can improve, and then try to do what they suggest. Set-up peer feedback conversations or monthly reviews with your manager.
For instance, after you finish a big task, you could ask your boss, "Is there anything I could have done better?" Then, work on getting better at those things.
Seek Coaching & Mentoring support
Reach out to senior colleagues to seek their advice on how to set-yourself up for success. They might have suggestions on personal brand building, visibility, positioning and upskilling that might work in your favour.
Make Friends at Work
Get to know people in different parts of your company. You could join a group at work, schedule catch-up conversations or have lunch with people from other teams. This helps you learn more about your company and shows you're a team player.
Try New Things at Work
Look for chances to do a little bit more, but don't take on too much. Think of projects you could take up outside your immediate team - this could help you develop an additional skill, and also give you a holistic view of the company’s products and services.
If you work in marketing, you could offer to lead a new project or suggest new ideas. This shows you're thinking about how to help the company grow.
Talk About What You Want to Do
Have an honest talk with your boss about your career goals.
You could say something like, "I really like my job and I'd love to do more. What should I work on to be ready for a bigger role in the future?" This lets your boss know you want to grow in your job.
Keep Learning
Always try to learn more, whether it's through courses online or being abreast with new trends related to your domain.
You could go to a workshop about new things in your field, or learn how to use a new computer program that's important for your work. Even reading blogs about your job can help you stay up to date.
Stay Positive
Sometimes it takes a while to get a promotion, and that's okay. Don’t be discouraged, rather use the time to strategise and think about next steps. Ask what you can do better next time. Staying positive and keeping on trying will help you grow and make a good impression on your coworkers and boss.
Every little thing you do to improve yourself and help your team is a step in the right direction. So take a deep breath, think about what you want to achieve, and keep moving forward. You've got this!
