According to a recent study, 87% of workers are currently focused on getting a promotion. Despite this, just 10% of those are likely to get one.
Photo by Saulo Mohana on Unsplash
While this likely speaks to a larger workforce issue, it’s also incredibly disheartening if it’s something you’ve set your sights on obtaining before the end of the year. Don’t worry, though! There are still plenty of steps that you can take to really push for that promotion. Read on to find out more!
Ask for what you want
While this may seem a little forward, the majority of people who obtain a promotion are those who ask for one. This simply comes down to the fact that
being proactive makes your life better, as you aren’t waiting around for opportunities to find you; you’re making them for yourself.
Of course, you still need to be somewhat tactful with how you approach this. Ask your boss or superior for a meeting, and think carefully about what you want to say ahead of time. Prepare a mental list of reasons ‘why’ you deserve a promotion, backing them up with as much evidence as you can. For example, as opposed to simply saying you’ve performed well, provide some examples of when/how.
Be polite and courteous while also backing yourself as much as you can. This will increase the chances of getting them on board. If they are unable to offer you a promotion right away, you’ll likely be the first person that comes to mind next time a vacancy crops up.
If you’re pushing for a pay raise over a promotion (though they typically come hand in hand), have an idea in mind of the kind of salary you’d like to walk out of the meeting with beforehand. This will put you in the best position when it comes to negotiation, ensuring that your best interests are protected.
Focus on improving your performance
It goes without saying that high-performing employees are often those who are given promotions. After all, there’s no better incentive than being good at what you do and an asset to your team/company.
If you’re unsure what you could be doing better, ask! Your superiors will likely be more than happy to provide you with some constructive criticism on the steps that you can take to improve, and this will help you to develop skills at a much quicker rate. This way, you’re in a much better position when asking for a raise or promotion. You should also make sure that you take notes during your annual review, so that you have a better idea of what you need to work on moving forward.
You should also be willing to put yourself outside of your comfort zone by taking on duties or tasks you’d normally avoid. For example, you might want to ask to take the lead on your next project, as opposed to letting someone else pave the way. This shows that you’re willing to take initiative and try something new, which is sure to put you on your employees’ good side moving forward.
Gain new certifications
Generally speaking, the more qualifications you’re able to obtain, the higher your chances are of being given a promotion. This is because you can ensure you’re ticking all of the boxes when taking on more senior roles within your company.
For example, if you work within the healthcare industry, you should keep an eye out for courses that allow you to expand on the level of care you’re able to offer to your patients. This could include completing a BLS (Basic Life Saving Course). To get started, simply search BLS Classes Near Me.
Form a good relationship with your boss and colleagues. Team players get promotions. This is because they’ve proven themselves time and time again to be an asset for their company, which means that employers are much more likely to want to keep them around long-term. One of the easiest ways in which you can prove that you are a team player is by building strong relationships with those around you, not just your boss.
Be kind, polite, and supportive. If someone needs help, and you have the time to do so, offer them a helping hand. Remember that you’re not competing against your colleagues, but working together toward shared goals. Be receptive when receiving feedback, and show up every day with a smile on your face.
Know when it’s time to seek work elsewhere
If you’ve been pushing for a raise or promotion for some time, but your company is not willing to support you, make sure you know when it is time to bow out. You deserve to be at a company that recognizes your hard work and effort, and you’re only wasting your time staying at a place where you are not properly valued.
Furthermore, this gives you the chance to apply for better-paid, more interesting roles. This means that you’d still be getting that promotion you were looking for. When interviewing for a new job, be sure to discuss your career goals with your potential employer. This way, you can figure out what plans they can put in place to support your growth and development, so that you will not find yourself in the same position again a few years down the line.
There are many reasons why you may believe you deserve a promotion, from excelling on a specific project to proving your worth after working with a company for several years. However, you need to make sure that you’re actually putting the work in to get one, whether that’s through additional training and studying, or simply asking outright.
The more you push for this, the higher the chances are of you getting what you want. Otherwise, you’ll find that you’re ending the year in the same role that you started in. While this is not necessarily a bad thing, you deserve to pursue your dreams, and this is one of the ways in which you can make that happen.
