How to Get a Promotion

You work hard at your job. You know you're ready for more responsibility and more challenging work. You would also like the salary increase that would accompany your new duties. You know you want it, but how do you get that promotion?

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Do your job well. You will not be trusted with more responsibility if you can't perform your present duties.

2. Let your supervisors know you do your job well. If you are good at your job, don't keep it a secret. Make sure those above you know that your client is happy with your work, or that you just saved the company some money by going with a different vendor. If you don't let your supervisors know that you are doing a good job, no one will.

3. Identify the key decision makers in your organization. If there are people in addition to your immediate supervisor who may make decisions about your employment or promotion, get to know them. More importantly, make sure they know you.

4. If you are performing your duties at a high level, start taking on more responsibility in the office. If your supervisor asks for help on a project, volunteer to assist. If a coworker needs help with something, ask your supervisor if you can lend a hand. If you have the opportunity to lead a project, take it.

5. Take on more responsibility outside of the office. If there are not many opportunities to increase your responsibility in the office, consider increasing your responsibility in the industry. Become involved in industry trade associations. Attend trade association meetings. Offer to write articles for trade-related publications. Once you become involved in these associations, let your supervisor know.

6. Don't be afraid to say no. One of the pitfalls of taking on more work is drowning in your new responsibility. Make sure you only take on work you know you will be able to complete by the deadline.

7. If you are passed over for a promotion, find out why. During your annual review (if you have one), ask why you have not been promoted and what you need to work on to be a top contender for the next open promotion.