3 Ways To Get A Promotion

Are you ambitious? Do you have high aspirations? If so, you probably want a promotion. The problem is that most people don’t know how to make this happen. You can have all the passion in the world, but unless it’s channelled properly, it won’t be fulfilled to its full potential. Be active in your approach: if you don’t make a change, your position in the company won’t either. Here are 3 simple but essential steps that will get you where you want to be:

Be The Expert

You need to know exactly what your aspired position entails before you even think about mentioning it to your boss. An employer needs to be able to see that you are serious about moving up in the company. If you do your research, and are able to prove it, they will be able to gauge your commitment. For instance, an aspiring finance manager should demonstrate an aptitude for juggling various responsibilities at once (invoicing, payrolls, auditing, tax preparation). They keep track of technological advancements in the financial world, showing an awareness of up-to-date analytical software and how to use it. If you don’t do this, your employer will find someone who has - either within or without the company. Promotions are competitive, and being prepared will give you that all important head start.

Make A Plan

Once you’ve figured out the necessary qualities that your aspired position requires, you need to show you have them. Make a comprehensive list of all the ways in which you think this can be done. Break this list down into manageable chunks, spreading them over a 12 month period. It’s important not to rush; give yourself enough time to execute each task properly. For best results, organise quarterly meetings with your manager to track your progress together. Keeping them firmly in the loop ensures that you’re still moving in the right direction. It doesn’t hurt for your motivation, either.

Document Your Efforts

During this whole process, document your activities. Make records of what you’ve done, and how you’ve done it. Detail is key; include as many quantitative details as possible. Remember: a number is worth a thousand words. By the end of your 12 months, you will have a clear and comprehensive record of your efforts at your immediate disposal. You will be ready to present your case confidently and coherently when the time of your review arrives.

Unevidenced and unprepared cases are not convincing, but concise and specific ones are. It’s always worth asking your employer what exactly specifics they require, as every position will require different ones. Be transparent about your aspirations - it will help you in the long run.

So, the key takeaways here are to know your stuff, to make a plan, and to execute that plan. It’s simple stuff, but it really works.

I’d like to hear your promotion success stories. Have you recently secured a promotion? How did you do it?