Ready to move up in your company but not sure how to go about it? Regardless of whether there is currently a senior role vacant, it’s never too early to start planting the seeds that you’re ready for promotion.
Here are our top tips to help you get promoted.
Be a Team Player
Upskill
If you are serious about assuming a more senior place in the team, you should always be looking for ways to expand your skillset. Showing your ambition to grow and learn is key in proving you are worthy of promotion. Attend workshops, think-ins and community events to improve your knowledge base and stay informed of industry news and developments. Even if you don’t have the time to take on a course or certification, incorporating new podcasts or blogs into your everyday routine can expand your education greatly.
Seek Out Extra Responsibilities
If you see an opportunity to take on extra responsibility, seize it. Don’t wait to be asked. Impress your superiors by being proactive, not reactive.
Network
Establishing a network of contacts is crucial for advancement. Don’t limit yourself to contacts within your own company or industry either. Networking events are a great way to build relationships with like-minded people and often these offline connections are the lasting ones. These connections may even turn out to be future colleagues, bosses or investors so don’t undervalue them.
Be Professional
It may seem obvious but being punctual, courteous and reliable can do wonders for your professional reputation. Be aware of how you are representing yourself outside of work too. Remember, your personal brand is everything you do.
Offer Solutions
Sharing problems with your boss or employer is par for the course in any job. It’s not something to feel anxious about and is usually no reflection on your ability to do your job. However, to excel, you should come to your boss not only with a problem but with a recommendation on how to solve it. Employers are looking to promote someone who listens to advice but can use their own initiative to solve problems.