Lifestyle

Peeps who’ve been with the same company for some time now, it’s normal to be thinking of a pay increase or title raise.

Well, who wouldn’t want some extra cash in the bank each month for savings or investments? We could all do with a bit of perk-me-up via a position raise from “executive” to “manager”, right?

But if you’ve been working for a decade or longer, you would know that a career advancement doesn’t come that easily. Do these things if you want a work promotion soon.

#1: Seek feedback from your superior

One of the best ways to get promoted is to ask for one. Set a time to meet with your boss, and bring your case for promotion to the table.

But before you do that, make sure you’re ready to share your achievements over the years, your upgraded skills, and the potential value you can bring to the company should you be given a title raise.

If your boss seems to be sitting on the fence amid the discussion, don’t leave the conversation hanging. Seek specific projects that you can undertake or accomplish to get the promotion, and then follow your superior’s directions to earn yourself a chance in the subsequent months to bring the topic back on the radar.

#2: Observe promoted colleagues

Look at your coworkers who have been promoted ahead of you. Do they have something in common? Are there some aspects of what the company seeks that has made them better candidates than you do?

Maybe there is a specific certification or credential that your company finds very appealing in an employee. To find out, it’s time to be a social butterfly. Attend social work events where possible and be engaged with your peers in the same industry to get updated on what’s up and coming. 

You may also volunteer to work on team projects headed by those promoted to give yourself a chance to see for yourself the skills your promoted colleagues hold.

#3: Add value to everything you do

The management team will judge you based on whether or not you add value to the company. In other words, it’s the assessment of worth and your indispensability for the company’s growth.

Give them the very best, no matter how small the task may be, and they will likely see you as someone worth keeping. A job well done will never be overlooked as the benefits it brings add up over time.

#4: Search for ways to be noticeable

Being a great employee and an eligible candidate for that promotion may not be enough if nobody notices you and your hard work.

If you want to start being more visible, being helpful is a great way to get noticed at your workplace. Volunteer to be on projects or initiate leading challenging tasks if you think you’re up for the job. Look out for opportunities to display any relevant niche knowledge you have.

At the end of a project cycle, see if you can set an appointment with your direct supervisor to check in on what they think of your contribution. Should they be unsatisfied with your performance, work on their feedback and take it positively instead of being defensive over it.

#5: Lead whenever you can

As you advance, you will require progressively more leadership skills in the company’s hierarchy. Leadership skills can refer to conflict management and an ability to motivate or steer your colleagues in the right direction.

Keeping up with excellent work performance through taking the initiative is a way to get noticed. Both your coworkers and superiors will come to know of the good shepherd that you are. In the long run, the company will trust you with more significant projects, and if done well, a promotion awaits.

#6: Be a positive presence

It can be easier to dwell on negativity amid workplace stress and criticisms. But negativity won’t get you anywhere.

Companies want leaders who have a positive outlook and can inspire people, not pessimistic and off-putting ones. Being a positive presence in the office will set you apart from the crowd and distinguish you when that promotion opportunity opens up.

#7: Recognise workplace issues and solve them

Have you ever worked with someone who complains about anything and everything? Such people can be viewed as toxic as they are consistently whining about things.

Instead of making a fuss over a particular business process and grumbling about it non-stop during break times, craft real solutions to improve the situation. Find specific business cases to convince your manager that it’s worth spending some money fixing a particular process. Then do your best to pitch it to them.

Take it as an excellent way to show that you’re a self-starter and keen on doing something that can benefit the company and its employees.

#8: Keep up with your work ethics

One factor that all of these suggestions have in common is that they require hard work to set yourself apart from your peers. One of the best ways to do so is to show an exceptional work ethic.

Work ethic can be defined as an attitude of determination and dedication towards your job. Maintain your focus at work, be punctual for all work meetings, and make sure you’re keeping up with the deadlines. You can’t be asking for a promotion if you can’t even get your foundations right.

Final thoughts

We’re not going to lie because it will take a lot of effort to get ahead and receive that promotion. Besides the tips mentioned above, you will need to find a way to stay motivated as you work towards that pay raise.

Organise your thoughts by making a plan to achieve that long-awaited promotion. When you have it all written down, it’s easier to check back and evaluate to see if you’re on the right track. Your time will come. Keep at it!

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