How do I Guarantee a Job Promotion?

Always put your goals in writing.

Competition is stiff in the workplace; everyone wants a promotion. Everyone wants the opportunity to make more money and gain status. But not all employees are willing to put the time or extra effort into moving ahead, and that is where you need to be creative and different. Decide that you will do whatever it takes to get that promotion; stay focused and take the necessary steps to get you where you want to be.

Instructions

Steps to Promotions

1. Going the extra mile is the first and most effective step. Exceeding your supervisor's expectations and the boundaries of your job description will propel you toward your goal faster than anything else. Most employees are not willing to put social and personal needs ahead of professional aspirations.

   Arrive early and volunteer if someone is needed to stay late or work weekends. If you see something that needs to be done, just do it, even if it's something no one else wants to handle or it's outside of your normal job duties.

2. 

   Punctuality is key.

   Punctuality is essential. It shows you are serious and that you can be depended on. Many have lost opportunities because of tardiness or excessive absences. You can be a star employee, but if you are not there to do the job, it is not going to be beneficial to anyone.

3. Write out your professional goals and review them every day. Written goals will help you in stay on target and move ahead in a straight line. Be sure to add a time line to all of your objectives. A written goal could be something as simple as: "I will be a restaurant supervisor by Dec. 31."

4. 

   Knowledge is power; take extra courses in your field to add to your resume.

   Take work-related classes, go to seminars and conferences, and network with other professionals. This will springboard you to the front of the line. Even if you have to pay for a course, it will be an investment that will pay you back many times. Most companies will reimburse at least part of the cost of training if it relates directly to your job.

5. Taking on extra responsibility, being punctual, signing up for extra classes, and having a plan will move you ahead only if someone notices. Unfortunately, there are managers out there that will take advantage of an exemplary employee and keep them in the same position for years. You have to become more visible and subtly "toot your own horn." Give your immediate supervisor that certificate you earned on that online course, point out the extra things you do in a tactful manner, and be assertive when credit for a project is given to someone else. Lastly, make sure that the company you work for knows you want to be considered for promotion and periodically ask about job openings.

   And when you do get promoted, start all over with these steps to work toward your next goal!

References

• essortment: Getting That Job Promotion

Resources

• The Promotable Woman; Norma Carr-Ruffino; 2004
• 30 Day Job Promotion: Build a Powerful Promotion Plan in a Month; Susan Whitcomb; 2007