I cannot agree with everything here, but certainly one of the better articles I have come across recently.
Looking for a promotion? Here are the 7
simple steps to getting there.
GETTING A PROMOTION in work is no mean
feat – the competition is fierce, and the ladder is a tough climb.
There can often be ‘rules’ around getting promoted that will
never appear on paper, and office politics can play a role, too.
Clara Whitaker, a ‘Career Doctor’ specialising in bringing a
spark back to burned-out executives, says that there are two main
factors that hold people back from promotion. Firstly, “a
misalignment with their managers and/or the company”. And secondly,
“lack of trust in [a person’s] own ability to pull it off.”
Misalignment is difficult to get around – your job may only promote
after a certain amount of time in a role, or not at all. But a lack
of trust in yourself can be even trickier to manage. If you’re
ready for that extra responsibility, though, these tips will help to
get the spotlight on you.
1. Know exactly what you want “When I
work with my clients, I always use a set of tests and questionnaires
to clearly map out what they want out of their careers and lives, why
they want it and how they’re going to get there,” says Clara. “So
they can have a clear vision of what success looks like for them,
instead of for other people.” This helps them understand where they
can fit themselves into a new role, as well as the promotion market
at their company and beyond. It is, in Clara’s words, being “smart
about your career”. Kieran O’Connell, an executive with DIT
Hothouse, also recommends having a clear roadmap for yourself. “You
have to have a permanent campaign for career progression,” he says.
2. Decide whether you need to upskill
“Investing in education, learning and development is one of the
single biggest factors influencing both employability and the ability
to progress,” says Dr Ronan Carberry, Senior Lecturer in Management
at UCC and the Irish Management Institute. It may not seem like the
most obvious thing to do, but going back to education can have a real
impact on your job aspirations. Kieran O’Connell recently completed
a Masters in Business in order to keep up with the demands of the
market. “When everyone has a degree, no one does,” he says. “So
one of the best ways to differentiate yourself is to upskill.” Not
only does it differentiate you, but letting your boss know that
you’re working on something new shows initiative and drive. “The
ability to articulate what specific skills and competencies have been
developed as a result of completing a course or programme is hugely
important [to career progression],” says Dr Carberry. If you can’t
take on a degree – and let’s face it, many of us can’t – you
might have a think about night or online courses too.
3. Prepare, prepare, prepare Once you
decide you want a promotion, it’s best to set the wheels in motion
– so that by the time a position crops up, you have everything
ready to go as if the interview were tomorrow. “For starters,
assess your current skill set, check out what the new position would
entail, and prepare, prepare, prepare for the role,” says Clara
Whitaker. “Look beyond your current position to see where else you
can add value: what opportunities or threats can you perceive?”
4. Find a mentor Another tactic is to
ask for help within the organisation. Dr Carberry recommends “seeking
out mentoring or sponsorship opportunities.” Having a powerful
employee on your side can make all the difference, he says. “Here
the sponsor acts as an advocate for an employee when it comes to
career opportunities, promotions, and who has the power to effect
change.”
5. Help your manager succeed “If you
want to get ahead, you have to start thinking and acting like you’re
ahead.” says Clara. “That means understanding the differences in
scope, responsibility, skills and vision that will be necessary to
the new role, and preparing accordingly.” In other words: start
acting like you’re already in the role you’re coveting. Taking on
extra responsibilities and working as hard as you can get you noticed
by a superior – in all the right ways. “You are more likely to be
noticed as someone deserving if you consistently help your boss
succeed, and rally the troops to help you help her succeed,”
according to Clara. Dr Carberry recommends preparing “a concise
document that clearly outlines your proven track record and provides
concrete details on the impact you’ve had on the business”.
Aligning this with the company’s objectives, where possible, is a
sure-fire way to stand out.
6. Know where the company is going
“What helps [with self-promotion] is to think about the position
you want and then build a compelling argument as to how it aligns
with the objectives of your boss and the organisation,” says Dr
Carberry. Many companies have a long-term strategic plan or vision
for the company, as well as for the staff – it’s worth finding
and studying this, as more often than not it’s a bible to
management. Knowing it inside out not only impresses in an interview
setting, but it can help you build a coherent strategy for your new
role. Clara stresses the importance of doing your homework too. “Know
what the company’s short and long term goals are and how you can
add value to them. And research the market to find out what it pays
someone with your experience and qualifications.”
7. Have a plan B (and be ready to look
elsewhere) Much as the idea of being told ‘No’ may turn your
stomach, Clara says it’s important to be ready for rejection –
without expecting it. “Always have a plan B” she advises.
“Companies are not always able or willing to promote employees at
certain times. It happens. So what would your next steps be if your
request for a promotion was met with a ‘No’?” If you’re
knocked back, try not to take it personally – it really is just
business. At the very least, your boss knows that you’re willing,
ready and able to up-skill – and it also might be a good time to
shop around, says Dr Carberry. “Research shows that one of the best
ways to get a pay raise is to switch organisations between three and
five years after you started there. Less than three years may be too
little time to develop the most marketable skills and after five
years people become tied to the organisation.” So maybe if your
time is up, and you’re not getting that promotion, it’s best to
take your newly sharpened skills elsewhere.
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