How to work your way to that promotion you wanted

Career promotion is about aptitude, ambition and a consistent effort over time. With smart preparation, the right attitude and a good support network, you will be in a strong position to take that next step. Use the tips below to start preparing today for the job you want tomorrow.

Talk to your manager

 It is crucial that your boss is a key supporter of your promotion. Those who get results get ahead, so remind them of everything you do that adds real value. Discussing your ambitions with your manager also helps him/her to understand your goals so they can help you reach them. Show initiative by asking them how you can take on more responsibility within or outside your own team in order to broaden your scope and experience.

Find a mentor

Finding a mentor is one of the smartest ways to get ahead in your career. You can draw on their experience to find out how to navigate the company, and they can provide valuable guidance to advance your career. Building a strong relationship with someone higher in the company can also help to open doors; they can spread a good word about you and act as a referee when you apply for a new opportunity or promotion.

Increase your skills

Having the right skills and abilities to produce high quality work is essential in being considered for promotion. Identify any knowledge or skill gaps you need to address to take on your next level role. Use your current job to acquire as many skills as you can, and volunteer for opportunities to expand your skill set. Try to help out with work from the level above you to demonstrate that you are capable of that position, and could hit the ground running.

Prove your worth

To maximise your chances of being considered for promotion, you must first exceed expectations in your existing role. In addition to strong technical competence, earning a reputation for being a dependable, capable, hard worker is also essential. Try to cultivate these attributes to help prove your worth.