How to Earn a Promotion

Whether you want a cushy office or some extra bucks, getting a promotion is usually on everyone's mind. And it's not impossible to advance your career. What's most important about getting a promotion is keeping cool. You don't want to step on anyone's toes or gossip to the point where you ruin your chances of getting the promotion. Instead, follow these tips to help you get ahead on the job.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer
• Updated resume

1. Get in with your boss. Going straight to the person who decides your fate is a smart step, even if your boss or immediate supervisor is only consulted when it comes to your promotion.
   
   A good way to boost your performance is to discuss your position or departmental objectives with your boss. Try to find out exactly what you need to do. Not only for a raise or a better title--but to be better at what you do in general.
2. Step up to the plate. The best way to get the job you're going for is to prove you can do it. The goal is to show your boss that you can work at a higher level than your current position.
   
   Start getting into the mindset of the job you want. Then start doing it without stepping on the toes of the personal already in that position. For example, display the skills you have that the job requires. You can even collaborate with the person in that position to help them out. There's an art to this--not to step on someone else's toes and not to act like a brownnoser.
3. Determine if you're eligible. This may sound simple, but many people dream of being CEO when they're only a mail clerk. Obviously that promotion isn't as practical as it is to work your way up into, say, sales or marketing. Assess what you would like to do relative to your career--not the company. Once you know what you want to do, it's easier to make it happen.
   
   If you're eligible to move up in pay or position, evaluate who you need to contact in order to be considered for the promotion. Larger companies have more complicated hiring procedures than smaller companies. So if you're in a larger company, contact the human resources representative and stay on top of internal job postings. If you're at a smaller company, you may want to keep mum on your intentions to move up.
4. State your intentions. Don't go blabbing if you're interested in a new position--keep it on the down low. You don't know who else is looking to get the same job or even a raise. It's best to discuss a promotion with your supervisor or the hiring manager.
   
   You may want to discuss your intent to "someday" move into another position with your supervisor. A good idea is to help him or her understand that you want to pay your dues and do your best in your current position, but you do have bigger long-term goals.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not discuss your promotion intentions with any of your coworkers.
• Deal only with supervisors when trying to get a promotion.