You’re seeking a promotion in journalism. What mistakes should you avoid?

1 Not having a clear career plan

One of the first mistakes to avoid is not having a clear career plan. You need to know what you want, why you want it, and how you can get it. Without a clear vision, you might miss opportunities, waste time, or settle for less than you deserve. A career plan can help you identify your strengths, weaknesses, goals, and strategies. It can also help you communicate your aspirations and expectations to your boss, colleagues, and mentors.

2 Not updating your portfolio

Another mistake to avoid is not updating your portfolio. Your portfolio is your showcase of your best work, and it should reflect your current skills, achievements, and interests. A stale or outdated portfolio can make you look unprofessional, unprepared, or uninterested. You should regularly update your portfolio with your most recent and relevant clips, samples, or projects. You should also make sure your portfolio is accessible, organized, and easy to navigate.

3 Not networking effectively

A third mistake to avoid is not networking effectively. Networking is not only about making contacts, but also about building relationships, sharing information, and creating opportunities. Networking can help you learn from others, find mentors, get feedback, and discover new possibilities. However, networking also requires tact, etiquette, and follow-up. You should avoid being pushy, rude, or self-centered when networking. You should also avoid neglecting or burning bridges with your existing network.

4 Not asking for feedback

A fourth mistake to avoid is not asking for feedback. Feedback is essential for improving your performance, learning from your mistakes, and growing as a journalist. Feedback can help you identify your areas of improvement, recognize your achievements, and align your goals with your employer’s expectations. However, feedback is not always given voluntarily or constructively. You should avoid being passive, defensive, or resistant when asking for or receiving feedback. You should also avoid ignoring or dismissing feedback that could help you.

5 Not demonstrating your value

A fifth mistake to avoid is not demonstrating your value. Value is not only about how much work you do, but also about how well you do it, how much you contribute, and how much you improve. Value can help you stand out from the crowd, impress your boss, and justify your promotion. However, value is not always obvious or appreciated. You should avoid being modest, complacent, or invisible when demonstrating your value. You should also avoid being arrogant, boastful, or entitled when claiming your value.

6 Not negotiating wisely

A sixth mistake to avoid is not negotiating wisely. Negotiating is not only about getting what you want, but also about finding a fair and mutually beneficial agreement. Negotiating can help you secure your promotion, increase your salary, and improve your conditions. However, negotiating also involves research, preparation, and communication. You should avoid being uninformed, unprepared, or unclear when negotiating. You should also avoid being unrealistic, greedy, or rude when bargaining.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?