Landing the Next Promotion

getting a work promotion

Receiving a promotion at work can be a huge morale booster. Not only will you make more money, but the added responsibility will be a better fit for your skills and interests. If you are seeking a promotion, there are certainly ways to make yourself a more favorable candidate. Keep in mind that if the promotion is for a sought after position, it is very likely that your company will be interviewing outside candidates. However, if you focus on the following steps you should have no problem getting a leg up on the competition.

1.)    Overcome Complacency

If you have been working in the same role for an extended period of time, it’s very possible that you have become complacent. However, if you truly want that next promotion, you need to make it clear to everyone around you that you would be a better fit for a higher level position. However, if you take this route, never take down about your current position. Show your managers that you are a happy worker, but you aren’t complacent in your current role. People will start to notice your potential.

2.)    Inquire About Current About Future Openings

Always be on top of the roles that are opening in your company. These will be much easier if you work at a smaller organization, because it’s likely that new openings will travel by word of mouth. If you work for a large company, scan the new job postings a few times per week and search for new management roles that would better suit your skills. Do your best to connect with the proprietor of the job listing and display your interest in the role. Once the word gets out that you are on the hunt for a new position, more people will start to notice.

3.)    Hone Your Resume

This might seem like a no brainer, but having an updated resume is very important when you are searching around for a new job. If you are having trouble, consult with your human resources department. They specialize in scrutinizing resumes, and can give you some excellent advice. Use the resources that surround you to assist in this process. When a promotion becomes available, you need to do everything in your power to position yourself for success. You also want to present yourself favorably to the managers that will be reviewing your credentials, so an optimized resume is key.

4.)    Ask For More Responsibility

If you truly want that next promotion, you need to ask for more responsibility. Show your managers that you can handle whatever they throw your way. It might make your workday a little more stressful, but it will pay off. Don’t bite off more than you can chew, but if you make sacrifices now you will reap the benefits later.

5.)    Improve Your Skills

Whether you do this through classwork, seminars, or mentoring, you may want to consider honing your current skills and learning new ones.  You could also ask around your company and see if there are any ongoing projects that you could assist with. You want to force yourself to leave your comfort zone. Learning and mastering new skills will go a long way to landing that next promotion. If you don’t have your college degree, then maybe it’s time to start attending school on a part time basis.

Landing a promotion at work is a big deal. It means that your managers trust that you are the right person to get the job done. You’ll likely receive an increase in pay, but you will also need to handle the new responsibility. Never be complacent with your current role, because there are always better positions out there. If your company won’t promote you, then maybe it’s time to look elsewhere. Just make sure that if you go this route, that you retain your business relationships and references.

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Matthew Welch

Jobdiagnosis blog author Matthew Welch is an SEO strategist and content marketer from Boston, MA. Read blog content relating to job search by Matthew Welch.

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