You have nothing to lose!
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| Climb the corporate ladder and write your own success story. |
Here at Quality Resumes I am most often talking to you about how to find a new job or career, but today I am going to write about something slightly different. Not everyone wants to leave the company they work for; they simply want to climb a few more rungs up the ladder of success. Let’s face it, in an economy such as ours sometimes the best play, career-wise, is to stay put. Greener pastures may not turn out so green, if they even exist at all.
Today’s post is for those of you after that elusive goal of - the promotion. Just like any other goal, landing a promotion requires strategy, patience and perseverance. You don’t have to become the embodiment of Michael Douglas in Wall Street to get ahead, but you can’t just sit by idly and expect it to happen for you either. Here are 5 tips you can use to get started climbing that ladder.
#1 Do what you do better than anyone else
The first step to getting ahead is to perform well in the position you have. Do not just do what is expected of you, go beyond and get noticed. Will putting in some extra effort always be rewarded? Honestly, no. Sometimes your efforts will go unnoticed. However,over time you will build a reputation as a serious worker who is willing to put the company, or team, first. That will eventually pay off for you.
#2 Find your Yoda
What would Luke have been without Yoda? Everyone needs a mentor to teach them the ins and outs of the field and company culture. Seek out people a few rungs higher than you who would be willing to take you under their wing. You’ll be surprised how receptive people can be to becoming your mentor. After all, you are recognizing them as experts and worthy to learn from. It’s flattering.
In addition to learning valuable skills and techniques from someone who has been around the block a few times, you will have an ally in a position to possibly help you land a promotion at some point.
#3 Go back to school
Learning new skills, keeping up with trends and becoming an expert yourself are all sure fire ways to get noticed by the higher ups and pave the way for a promotion. this used to mean costly courses and night school, but no more. Today, professional development is so prevalent you are sure to find an online course or seminar that fits your budget and schedule. You can also leverage the web and create your own PLN, or personal learning network. Follow the trend setters in your industry on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn etc. Interact, learn and grow. Before you know it you will be establishing yourself as an expert in your chosen field.
#4 There is no “I” in “Team”
Yes, I know it is a cliche, but cliches get their start in truth. As the structure of corporate America becomes flatter and more projects are done by teams, being seen as a team player has become vitally important. Make sure you don’t try to steal credit, or place blame. Just work hard as a team member and get the job done, even if it means taking on more than your fair share. People will notice and eventually those higher up will want your drive and work ethic higher up.
Today’s post is for those of you after that elusive goal of - the promotion. Just like any other goal, landing a promotion requires strategy, patience and perseverance. You don’t have to become the embodiment of Michael Douglas in Wall Street to get ahead, but you can’t just sit by idly and expect it to happen for you either. Here are 5 tips you can use to get started climbing that ladder.
#1 Do what you do better than anyone else
The first step to getting ahead is to perform well in the position you have. Do not just do what is expected of you, go beyond and get noticed. Will putting in some extra effort always be rewarded? Honestly, no. Sometimes your efforts will go unnoticed. However,over time you will build a reputation as a serious worker who is willing to put the company, or team, first. That will eventually pay off for you.
#2 Find your Yoda
What would Luke have been without Yoda? Everyone needs a mentor to teach them the ins and outs of the field and company culture. Seek out people a few rungs higher than you who would be willing to take you under their wing. You’ll be surprised how receptive people can be to becoming your mentor. After all, you are recognizing them as experts and worthy to learn from. It’s flattering.
In addition to learning valuable skills and techniques from someone who has been around the block a few times, you will have an ally in a position to possibly help you land a promotion at some point.
#3 Go back to school
Learning new skills, keeping up with trends and becoming an expert yourself are all sure fire ways to get noticed by the higher ups and pave the way for a promotion. this used to mean costly courses and night school, but no more. Today, professional development is so prevalent you are sure to find an online course or seminar that fits your budget and schedule. You can also leverage the web and create your own PLN, or personal learning network. Follow the trend setters in your industry on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn etc. Interact, learn and grow. Before you know it you will be establishing yourself as an expert in your chosen field.
#4 There is no “I” in “Team”
Yes, I know it is a cliche, but cliches get their start in truth. As the structure of corporate America becomes flatter and more projects are done by teams, being seen as a team player has become vitally important. Make sure you don’t try to steal credit, or place blame. Just work hard as a team member and get the job done, even if it means taking on more than your fair share. People will notice and eventually those higher up will want your drive and work ethic higher up.
By being a team player, you’ll build your reputation and increase your value to the company.
#5 Act like you already have the promotion
No, I do not mean you start telling your peers what to do and walk into meetings five minutes late. What I do mean is that you start asking for more responsibility. Jump in as volunteer to help out a neighboring department.Willingly take on a little more than you need to to help out your boss. Hustle means something, and the more you do it the easier it will become. then people will grow to depend on you. When you have made yourself indispensable you have made yourself very promotable.
Remember, sometimes the best job opportunities are right under your nose. Put a plan in place and be ready the next time a promotion is made available.
