5 Tips for getting a Promotion
So, you've gotten to a place where you're comfortable with your job and you're looking for a way to continue over that shining horizon? Then you've come to the right place, here are a few tips to get you started.
1.) Be Doing Your Current Job Well
That sounds a little obvious, but it might be a little trickier than you think. Especially if you're feeling stuck in a stifling, boring job and you're just waiting for that wonderful one over the rainbow. When you feel bored and unchallenged, it can be really difficult to actually put your best foot forward. But your employer will notice when you're slacking off, probably more than when you're going the extra mile, unfortunately. So, it's important to establish a consistent productive baseline.
2.) Schmooze A Little
As much as we'd all like to think that we're paid for our ability and labor, life simply doesn't work that way. Don't misunderstand, you don't get paid exclusively for your looks and personality, just a little close for comfort. In order to nail that promotion, you're going to want to befriend the boss. Or at least be able to fake it. And work with the assumption that people are shallow. So, dress to impress. Follow the general tone of your work place for what's appropriate. If it's a conservative, make sure that you don't expose too much skin or have too relaxed attire. A good rule of thumb is to see what your boss wears and follow suit, unless he or she is notably casual and can get away with it because hey, it's the boss. Remember other parts of appearance as well, neat hair, good shoes, etc.
Now, the social parts. Find out what your boss is into, check out his or her desk or work space. If there are family pictures, drop a few questions, nothing too prying, but enough to prompt a monologue. An example might be if you see a picture of a young girl in a soccer uniform, say something like "Oh, is that your little girl? What position does she play?" People love to talk about themselves and their children especially, so take an interest, your boss won't forget it. Also, if there's a lot of memorabilia of any kind, ask about it. Fishing themed knickknacks might indicate a hobby, a pink ribbon, a favorite charity. Whatever is dear to boss's heart is dear to yours now. Humor is a good social lubricant, but make sure that the joke is appropriate. If you want to be extra safe, stick to things that you know are a little corny, and say them self deprecatingly. Everybody likes someone who can be a little silly and laugh at themselves too. Make sure to keep this to appropriate moments, on break, over lunch, in the elevator, casual conversation times.
3.) Be Sure You Appear Available
Many promotions come with more responsibility as well as more pay, so make sure that the boss knows that you're up for it. If you come to work with bags under your eyes, looking frazzled and tired, that may send the message that you can't handle more. Same goes for if you're complaining about being overworked. Even if just to a few friends in the office, keep in mind that these things get around. And step one is important for this reason too, if you're already struggling with what you have, why would a boss assign you more? It just wouldn't make sense. Make sure not to talk up how busy you are in life in general either, if you're always going on about your terribly long to do list, people will think twice before putting more on it. Show up at work on time, bright eyed and bushy tailed. Start going the extra mile any time you can to show that you can handle more.
4.) Show Your Interest
If there's another person in the office who's doing the same top of job, make friends with that person. Learn the ropes in advance. Offer to help on your spare moments. If there is going to be an opening soon, ask him or her to train you outright. But it's important that the person not feel threatened by your interest, that will really hurt your chances. If you are trying to usurp someone's position, it's important to remain very secretive about it.
5.) Don't Be Afraid To Ask For It
Confidence is important to your success in the business world and this is no exception. So, say that you've done everything else. You're dressed to the nines, getting ten hours of sleep or on a strict concealer and coffee regimen. You've listened to the boss go on about golf and exotic parrots for hours and hours. And you've learned the job perfectly and are giving your current one three thousand percent, but still no cigar. All the subtle hints in the world can be ignored and your boss will likely be impressed by your confidence if you have the guts to stand there and say that you deserve a better, higher paying job. If there's a known opening, it's a simple as saying "Please consider my name for [x] position." If there's not and you want someone else's job or something to be worked out in the budget, it's going to take a little more convincing.
A good way to bring it up is to address a problem, then offer a solution. Something like "I've noticed that Lisa seems really overworked recently and I'm afraid that our quality might be suffering because of it. I'm qualified to take on some of the excess, at least until she gets it worked out or maybe we could work something else out," conveys everything that you want it to. You are the solution to all of your boss's problems, that is the key to this approach. You really have to sell yourself. But you could reap huge rewards if you play your cards right. Try not to trash talk your fellow employees in this though, always make sure that it's unavoidable circumstance or something like that. You never know what relationship people might have, especially if there's a reason to keep it private, and the last thing you want to do is offend your boss.
Follow these tips for a brighter tomorrow, best of luck, and happy promotion seeking!
