So, you’re unhappy and you’re frustrated with the same old routine, you feel unchallenged, a little bit bored and you want to progress to the next level in your career. The key to getting promoted is remembering that promotions are not generally freely given, like most things in life; you have to earn them through sheer hard work, talent, focus and dedication (as well as being in the right place at the right time with the right set of circumstances). As well as the top tips we’ve noted below, we also provide career development services to assist with your move to the next level of your career.
Five simple steps to promotion with career development services
Ask for More Responsibilities
It may seem like you have enough on your plate right now, but if you do feel you are able to handle a slightly heavier workload and want to demonstrate your ability to multi-task and be seen as cross-functional, the ask for extra responsibility. This will ensure that your boss starts to recognise your diverse skills base. Volunteer to help out in other departments to be seen as a team player. This increases your value within the company and shows your interest and desire to help your company to succeed.
Act Professionally
• Present yourself as your own personal ‘brand’ at all times;
• Dress professionally even on casual days
• Show your initiative and make yourself stand out by suggesting new solutions to existing problems
• Keep a positive outlook and encourage your colleagues to do the same in tough situations
• Volunteer to attend conferences and give presentations or train new employees where appropriate
• Start to make a name for yourself by writing articles or suggesting initiatives to the marketing department
• Don’t be a clock watcher and don’t procrastinate, make sure that you arrive for work a few minutes early and don’t leave until your work for the day has been fully completed
Build a Network
The more people who know you, know your strengths and abilities, know your value to the organisation, and know (at least some of) your ambitions, the more likely your name will be discussed when opportunities arise. Liaise with all the departments in your company if possible and make sure you build solid relationships with your colleagues and superiors.
Create Your Own Opportunities
After studying the needs of your Company, if you see an area that has been neglected and you feel you have key skills in that area, then take the initiative and write a proposal for a new position. Even if the company does not recognise the need for vacancy in this area, you have again shown your initiative, creativity, and value to the business by identifying the opportunity.
Demonstrate your persistence
It may seem obvious, but many of us tend to overlook the power of persistence as a crucial point to our current and future success. Do you have what it takes to remain consistent and persistent? Do you have the staying power when things get tough? If at first you don’t succeed you need to re-saddle the horse and keep trying, over and over again until you get what you want. Master it, enjoy it and then move on again when you need or want to. If an opportunity crops up before you are ready, don’t dismiss it out but think creatively about how you can take advantage of it.
Find out how City CV’s career development services can give you that extra edge to stand-out from the rest by calling us on +44 20 7100 6656