So, You Want a Promotion… 5 Ways to Better Position Yourself for the Promotion You Want
/Being up for a promotion can be a stressful time. However, it doesn’t have to be. Positioning yourself for a promotion should be something that you prepare for well before the interviewing process begins. Remember that old saying, “ABC… Always be closing”? When it comes to your future career aspirations and advances you should be thinking, “ABP… Always Be Positioning”!
If you are ready for the next step in your career or a new challenge these 5 tips will help you better position yourself the next time a promotion is on the line:
1. Set Your Goals and Research the Position You Want:
You can’t achieve something unless you know what it is that you want to achieve. So, you much do some research on the front side to identify the next role you wish to take on. Research the job listings posted for the position you want. Make a note of the skills required for that position and evaluate your resume to see if you have those skills or if you need to be working to acquire them. Also, it’s a good idea to do some research on the salary range for the positions you are looking for. This will help you once you get to the interviewing and negotiating phases.
2. Stay Current with Skills:
If your research uncovered that your desired position requires specific knowledge or skills which you lack or need to develop, attend relevant seminars and training programs to help develop them. Also, consider other projects or organizations in which you serve where you may be able to demonstrate transferable skills or develop them.
It’s never a bad idea to bring up your career goals during review meetings with your manager. Your manager isn’t a mind reader. So, if you are serious about a promotion be confident and bring it up with your boss. If your boss knows about which position you want to hold in the future, they can help you identify areas and ways to improve making you better suited for that job. Honest communication with your boss reflects well on your professional image highlighting you as a motivated employee.
3. Establish a Network, Tribe, or Look for a Mentor:
Network and form strong relationships with your coworkers and direct supervisor. This way, whenever a colleague has a question or request, you will be at the top of everyone’s mind.
Often the position you may be wanting is in another department or you may not see a direct career path to that position from your current position. When faced with this situation try communicating with other departments, especially those that you may be looking to join; increasing your visibility in other departments will help get your foot in the door for potential promotions.
4. Keep a File of Success or Accomplishments:
Keeping either an electronic or physical file of your accomplishments can help you when it’s time to update your resume, write a killer cover letter, and prepare for interviews. We often forget small accomplishments where our talent and skills could be illustrated. Also, keeping a success file is helpful for remembering and notating the actual outcomes. The ability to tell a story and incorporate results on applications and during interviews is very impactful.
Also, consider updating your boss on recent projects you have completed or sending the occasional email with recent accomplishments to let them know you are on top of your work and how it’s going. However, don’t do this too frequently, as it could become annoying or make you appear self-centered and arrogant.
5. Remember Professionalism is Vital:
Today’s corporate world is becoming more and more casual. Don’t let a casual atmosphere fool you that professionalism isn’t just necessary but vital. You can cultivate a positive work image by showing leadership skills, volunteering for projects where you can add value as well as learn, and mentoring others. Other examples of professionalism include: dressing appropriately, punctuality and not exhibiting insubordination.
Additionally, you should manage and review your social media often to make sure you are representing yourself in a positive professional light. More and more companies and clients are using social media to research individuals and companies prior to working with them. Making this part of your overall strategy to position yourself for promotion will help to set you apart.
You will probably be surprised by how many of the necessary skills for the promotion you already have. However, remembering to use these tips to plan ahead for your promotion and staying positive will help you be better prepared when the promotion of your dreams comes around. Keep improving yourself and don’t forget to help develop the talents of others on your way to the top. You will be thankful for the time and effort you invested in yourself when you succeed in the next stage of your career.
This information is general in nature and may be subject to change. Financial professionals and other representatives are not authorized to give legal, tax or accounting advice. Applicable laws and regulations are complex and subject to change. Any tax statements in this material are not intended to suggest the avoidance of U.S. federal, state or local tax penalties. For advice concerning your individual circumstances, consult a professional attorney, tax advisor or accountant.
Securities offered through NMS Capital Advisors, LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory products and services offered through Castle Wealth Advisors, LLC, a Registered Investment Advisor. NMS Capital Advisors, LLC and Castle Wealth Advisors, LLC are unaffiliated entities.