READY TO MOVE UP in your company but not sure how to go about it? Regardless of whether there is currently a more senior role up for grabs, there are always things you can do to ensure that if and when the opportunity arises, you’re ready.
To ensure that you’re front-of-mind to move up in the company, here are our top tips to help you get promoted.
You might think looking better than your team members will put you in good stead for promotion but coming across as overly competitive is not an attractive quality in a leader. You need to show that you are supportive of team members and willing to make the success of the team your priority. This will show your commitment to the company’s goals overall.
If you are serious about getting promoted, you should always be looking for ways to expand your skill set. Showing your ambition to grow and learn is key in proving you are worthy of a higher position. Whenever you have the chance, sign up for workshops, think-ins and community events to improve your knowledge base.
If you see an opportunity to take on extra responsibility, seize it – don’t wait to be asked. Impress your superiors by being proactive, not reactive. As Chris Wilkinson, Head of Talent at Forward Partners says: “If you are not feeling uncomfortable with your workload/learning curve then you are not pushing hard enough”.
Establishing a network of contacts is crucial for advancing in your career and don’t just limit yourself to contacts within your own company or industry. Networking events are a great way to build relationships with like-minded people and often these offline connections are the lasting ones that can lead to other opportunities.
Although this may seem obvious, don’t ever underestimate the value of being perceived as a professional. Being punctual, courteous and reliable can do wonders for your reputation. Be aware of how you are representing yourself outside of work too. Remember, your personal brand is everything you do.
Sharing problems with your boss is par for the course in any job. It’s not something to feel anxious about and it’s usually no reflection on your ability to do your job. However, in order to excel, you should come to your boss not only with a problem but with a recommendation on how to solve it. Employers are looking to promote someone who listens to advice but can use their own initiative to solve problems.
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