Employment Spot

Employment Tips to Earn a Promotion

Your job should provide not only a paycheck, but some measure of reward.  You probably spend at least 40 hours per week there.  A promotion may be the key to getting more reward out of your working hours.  But earning a promotion can be more work than you think.  Your workplace may be very competitive, or there may not be much room for advancement.  Regardless, keeping these tips in mind may be the boost you need to keep your name at the top of upper management’s list of candidates.  These tips are courtesy of Kate Lorenz, editor at CareerBuilder.com.

Have the Right Priorities – Your boss has certain goals in mind and a vision of how to attain them.  Make his or her goals your goals and keep these on the brain throughout the workday.  If he or she can see that you are working for the future interest of the company, your employment opportunities may increase.

Know the Evaluation System – Each company has a unique set of workplace behaviors and employee attributes that are evaluated periodically.  These are obviously going to be the skills you need to succeed.  Ask your supervisor which skills you can strengthen to get a better idea of how you can separate yourself from the pack at evaluation time.

Most Dependable – If you promise to complete a task or take the lead on a project, make sure you not only do the work but do it better than expected.  It is essential to under-promise and over-deliver if you want to be noticed by management.

Be Happy – No one wants to work closely with a negative person.  Stay cheerful in your interactions with others in the workplace.  Avoid the water cooler if your fellow employees are bashing the boss.  Negative energy will not earn you a corner office with a view.

Give Credit to Your Boss – In line with the idea of having the right priorities, making your boss look good to upper management can show that you care about the company and want to help succeed.  Giving credit to your boss for his or her successes can also help to earn him or her a promotion, which opens a spot on the career ladder.

Admit Your Mistakes – No one is perfect.  That is why interviewers often ask potential candidates to list some of their failures or weaknesses.  If you exhibit honestly in the workplace by admitting when you are wrong you will show your boss that you can recognize your own flaws.  This also demonstrates a willingness to learn from your workplace mistakes and move on, skills that every successful business person needs. 

Stay Organized – Keep a calendar of your life, including workplace deadlines and events from your personal life.  One calendar will prevent you from getting “double-booked.”  Rank your workplace to-do list with the most important tasks at the top; these deserve the highest priority.  Accomplishing the important things in a timely manner will show your boss that you can manage your time effectively.

Do Your Research – No one appreciates people who ask constant questions and cannot think for themselves.  Your boss does not want you to email him or her with every concern or question you may have.  Go to your supervisor only when you have a real question or issue that shows you have already done your research. 

Use Your Resources - If your company offers additional training or volunteer opportunities, take advantage of these, especially if they are outside your area of expertise.  The people in charge want to promote employees who show that they can broaden their horizons and take interest in more than what affects them directly. Good managers can think of broad solutions and often have a varied background.

Be Informed – Read journals or magazines so that you will be aware of the latest industry news that may affect your company.  At the same time, do not be the employee who broadcasts his or her knowledge around the office.  Save what you know for when your boss asks you a question or when you can offer insight during an important meeting.  No one likes a know-it-all; everyone likes someone who can offer accurate and helpful information.

Be Healthy – Taking all of your sick days will not help you earn that promotion.  Stay physically fit in your free time to reduce your chance of illness and increase your self confidence.  If you get run down and unhealthy, your pride and ambition are likely to suffer, as well as your productivity.

Keep Your Personal Life at Home – The office is not the time to discuss the intimate details of your personal issues.  Your work will suffer, and your coworkers, though they appear sympathetic, may not be as interested as you think.  Besides, gossip in the workplace shows a lack of professionalism. 

Dress For the Job You Want – Look and act like you deserve and have earned that promotion at all times.  Be comfortable on Casual Friday, but avoid wearing old jeans or shoes.  People who get promotions not only put in the time and earn recognition, they look the part.