Are you ready for the next step at work but you're not sure how to get there? Take matters into your own hands and work toward your next promotion this year. Use these 10 tips to help you get there.
1. do the job you want, not the job you have
If you want to take your career to the next level, show management that you're ready for the increased responsibilities by taking them on without an official promotion. It will show you're dedicated to the company's success and worthy of a promotion.
2. have a solution-oriented approach to your work
Employers want people who bring solutions - not problems - to the table. Show that you're worth being promoted by always working to find a solution to a problem, not stewing on the problem itself. Having a positive attitude will set you apart from your peers and prove that you have what it takes to lead.
3. be sure there's room for you to grow
If growing in your career is something you value, it's important that you work at a place that can facilitate that growth. If you've maxed out your opportunities with your current employer, you might be better off being promoted at another company.
4. be clear with your supervisor
It's important that you and your supervisor share a vision for your future at work. Tell him or her that you're looking for a promotion in the next 10 months so it's on both of your radars. Then check back in on it regularly when you have performance reviews to keep the topic top of mind.
5. be social
Show that you're committed to the holistic success of the business by being a team player and developing relationships inter-departmentally. It can be a great way to show your supervisor and hiring managers that you're liked and respected in the office, which are important qualities for people in leadership positions.
6. but not too social
The last thing a supervisor wants is someone who brings unnecessary drama in the workplace. Skip the gossip and water cooler chat if you want to be considered for a promotion this year.
7. get a mentor
Ask someone whom you admire and look up to for advice as you grow in your career. Learning how they earned promotions over the years can help you as you seek out your own.
8. improve your weaknesses
Before you ask for more responsibility, review your latest performance reviews to ensure you're making movement on your areas for improvement. Showing growth can be a great selling point as you work toward a promotion.
9. organize your thoughts
Before you start the conversation with your manager, take time to document why you want - and deserve - a promotion. What have you done in the last 12 months that you can highlight? How have you grown? What value do you bring to the company? Answer these questions and then use them to sell yourself internally.
10. ask for it
The best way to ensure you'll win that promotion is to ask for it! Make it clear that growing within the company is a priority for you, and make your intentions clear by going after what you want.
If you're planning to score that big promotion, use these 10 tips to help you as you work toward achieving your big goal.