How to get promoted at work?

It’s a new year, and you’re ready to take the next steps in your career, so what steps should you take? Before you have your end of year review conversation, I will give you a few tips to help you with positioning yourself for that promotion. As well as what you may need to do if your manager’s role is your next promotion.

1.      Self-Evaluation – Are you ready to be promoted?

Here’s a list of questions to ask yourself?

• Why do I want to be promoted?

• I have the skills needed for the role?

• Did I volunteer for projects over the last year to showcase my ability to take on more responsibilities?

• Do I have any feedback from customers that speaks to my work?

Now that you’ve had a moment to do a little self-reflection, we can proceed. If you struggled with answering any of the above questions, no worries, you might need a bit more time to get ready.

2.      Timing is everything

Ok, so you’re prepared for your next promotion… now the question is there a position available. If there’s no position currently available, it will still be essential for you to tell your manager/supervisor of your desire to take on more responsibilities. Remember, when you’re interested in getting promoted sometimes it’s all about making sure the right people know your career goals. So take advantage of your 1-on-1’s with your manager to discuss your career goals and areas of interest so you can be informed of opportunities. If you don’t currently have meetings with your manager, take the initiative and set something up. So if you’re waiting on an opportunity to become available, use that time to learn new skills and get prepared!

3.      My boss position is my next promotion

Then there’s the awkward moment when your next promotion is your manager’s position. Depending on the size of your company, this may be your reality. So what does that mean? Unfortunately, if your next role is your manager’s position, you only usually have three options, which are to 1. Wait, 2. Look for another internal role. 3. Leave the company.  So what will you decide to do?

Are you planning to leave the company? If so, see the action list you should review to get prepared.

1. Complete Self – Evaluation

2. Make Pro’s & Con’s list to help guide your job search

3. Update your resume

4. Practice answering interview questions

5. Lastly, Don’t forget to do your homework on the company

These steps will help you land your next promotion; rather, it’s internal or external.  Most importantly, remember you got this!