5 TIPS TO GET TO YOUR NEXT PROMOTION

It is easy to feel stuck and bored at your job especially if you had been doing it repeatedly for years. Loss of interest and feeling overqualified for your current task is a signal that you need to get working unto that promotion.
Getting a promotion will never be easy but it’s time to work towards that; to grow, improve yourself, and advance your career.

How? Here are 5 tips to get you to that promotion you are aiming for:

1. FIND OUT WHAT IT TAKES
   First, consider your current performance. Have you been of your best at work in dealing with clients and colleagues? How does your boss view your work?
   Keep track and document key details and results from your achievements and successful projects. Then, continue on being the best and excel. Find out what the hiring manager value the most and create a plan on achieving that. Set that goal for yourself. Make projects and own it from start up to its completion. Know on how to work on those projects by working smart, not just hard. Set a timeline for that next win!

2. FURTHER YOUR EDUCATION
   Investing on yourself will always result on a positive note. Make sure to include expanding your knowledge into your plans. Constantly acquire new knowledge and skills to stay ahead of your game. Employers note gaps in experience but a bit of investment and effort in education and training will fill in that hole.
   Look for a mentor that will help keep you motivated. Someone you feel comfortable with that you may speak to openly and honestly, an established person in your field that could offer advice and constructive criticism as well as your weakness.

3. VOLUNTEER
   Do not be afraid to take the initiative and solve problems by trying-out different and more effective solutions. Volunteering will help you get noticed and be seen as someone who is looking to do more, to prove that you are worthy of promotion. This is also a good way to develop and acquire additional skills. Focus on making your boss’ job easier; take a thing or two off of their plate and get the job done yourself. But always make sure that you’re able to execute the task properly.

4. BE A TEAM PLAYER
   One major thing to consider when aiming for a promotion is your colleagues. Doing extra tasks and taking on your boss’ job may put you on a negative note especially when you are working with a team. Your goal is stand out from the crowd and take on leadership roles but make sure to show that you can work well in a group. Help out colleagues when they have too many things to accomplish and be willing to support them. Let others help you as well and celebrate successes your team achieved. Act professional and as a leader and they will take you as one.

5. CLEAR OUT YOUR INTENTIONS
   This may sound affronting for some especially if your company isn’t really actively advertising any senior roles. But, if you want a promotion, you need to say it. Start by discussing and identifying gaps in performance and/or achievements, and then present yourself as the perfect candidate for your proposal. Know how to sell and market yourself effectively by presenting past successes and open new plans and opportunities for the organization. By being upfront about what you want, you entice them that this is what you’re striving towards, and will put you in top of the considerations for upcoming senior roles or promotion.
   Career success does not come with guarantee but, a right mixture of desire for growth, passion for learning, hard work, and team playing can increase the probability of getting to the next level. Remember to keep positive, and treat mistakes and setbacks as learning opportunities. You will get there!