5 Key Strategies To Secure Promotion

You have worked at the company for a while now and you are ready to move up. There may be a specific position you are gunning for, or you may just be after a salary increase in your field of expertise. Whatever the motivation, you can get that promotion with the right approach.

1. Set realistic and specific career goals.

This step is vital to getting the promotion that you want. No matter what your current situation, you must have a road map to get where you are going. Do not dismiss this step even if you already know the position you want. There are other aspects to career planning than just figuring out where you want to be. What about deciding when you want to be there? Set some specific deadlines for yourself as to when you will achieve certain steps in your career path. That promotion may take some additional training, so when do you plan to have attained that extra knowledge? It's important to keep your goals realistic so that you don't put so much pressure on yourself that you freeze up.

2. Network whenever possible.

Yes, you work with these people every day, but how often do you have a one-on-one conversation with your superiors? Make and take opportunities to talk with them, to impress them with your work ethic and personality. You will not only become a familiar face to the people who make the decisions, but you will find out what positions are coming up and who has the power to fill them.

3. Work extra hard.

Hard work really does count for something. Put in some extra hours, take the projects that no one else wants, and speak up. Take the time to learn about the company you work for, its history, its industry competition, and its goals. The more you know about the professional climate, the more you will be able to contribute and the more valuable you will appear to those in the know.

4. Communicate your goals.

Tell your boss what you are after. Often times, management knows of openings before they become common knowledge to the rest of the firm, so let your superiors know that you are looking to advance. Also, do not be afraid to ask for help in achieving your goals. Ask for extra projects or assignments that will look good on your record when it comes time to compete for that promotion. Dress the part, too. It's important to pay attention to how you come across. Act like the kind of person who gets promoted.

5. Ask for your promotion.

If your company awards promotions on the basis of regular reviews, be sure that you have all your ammunition ready. Make a list of your accomplishments, experience, and additional training so that as your positive review session winds up, you can directly ask for the promotion and back up your qualifications. You can do this whether or not your company does reviews. Just be direct, respectful, and honest. Don't be afraid to state the facts about your positive attributes, so long as you can back them up with reality.

With some hard work, the right attitude, and a plan for success, you can get the promotion of your dreams.

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