There isn’t a fail-proof way to get that promotion; but we can certainly help you organize your thoughts by explaining in a step-by-step way how to get a promotion in an ideal situation.
1. Work on your personal brand. Ask yourself, how do you want your boss and colleagues to think of you? In order to be considered for a promotion, you must position yourself as the trusted, go-to person in the company.
2. Work for a company that can give you room to grow. You might not be able to ask for a promotion if you’re working in a small company where there isn’t much room to develop and grow. It is preferred that you seek employment in a company that is doing well and growing,
3. Aim for Excellency. Do the best you can in your current job. Be punctual and demonstrate good intentions and high spirits by going the extra mile when needed. Show up 10 minutes earlier and show willingness to stay later than your working hours in order to get the job done. It might not seem comfortable or fair sometimes but it will show your higher-ups that you’re genuinely interested in how the company is doing.
4. Make sure people know you're doing a great job. Don’t go around bragging about your work but also don’t expect your merits to speak for themselves. Some personal marketing efforts are required from you if you’re seeking a job promotion; so be ready to communicate with your supervisor as often as possible to keep him/her up-to-date and seek their advice all the time. Make sure he or she knows what you've been up to.
Similarly, don’t shy away from socializing with colleagues from outside of your company and your co-workers. Try to develop good relationships with everyone, get to know people at work and attend all the company’s events. You never know who might put in a good word for you!
5. Make sure the right people know you want a promotion. Don't be afraid to tell your supervisor about your career goals as most good supervisors will be concerned with your career goals and try to help you fulfill them if you’re adequate. Just don’t let your supervisor think that you’re fed up with your current job. Continue to do a great at your current job but let decision makers know you’re ready for a higher job position now.
6. Apply for the right job within the company. If you’re working at a large company; chances are there’s a standard recruitment procedure in place and you need to apply, be interviewed and compete with other candidates from within the company and outside as well. Be in the know-how concerning the job opportunity you seek in terms of requirements and if you lack on some of the skills needed, work on acquiring them through taking classes or taking part in extra job tasks. If you lack on qualifications such as a degree; well, go get one.
7. Build on your skills and qualifications. If you keep improving and practically become too good for your current job, your boss will eventually realize that keeping you in that position is a waste of resources.
Earn a higher degree, get certified in your field of choice or learn new languages that can be of value to your organization and work.
8. Prepare a successor. If you’re too good at your job, your employer might have an issue with replacing you with a less than great successor.
Be one or few steps ahead of your employer and start training an employee or more to take on your job tasks when you get promoted. Don’t be afraid that your understudy will take your job if teach them the secrets of the trade; first, no matter how good you are at training others, your successor lacks the experience, second, as long as you keep developing your skills you will only move up the career ladder.
In some cases, a higher position in your field is simply unavailable at your company. If that’s the case, don’t hesitate to discuss with your employer the importance of creating one within the company.
By Shaden Abdulraman
