Success in the workplace is defined in different ways and depends on whom you ask. It could mean getting a raise, promotion or being happy at your job. There are skills you can put into practice that might help you get a faster promotion. Management looks for candidates that have specific job skills for promotion.
This is a guest post by Cameron Johnson.
1. Develop Job Skills
A key ingredient to career success is developing those skills that will make you a more likely job candidate. These are the kinds of skills that will draw attention to your worth as an employee. This will give you the confidence you need to move up in your industry.
There are a number of ways to increase your value as an employee and improve your chances of promotion. Consider signing up for online classes at your local community college. Keep in mind that 35% of positions require a bachelor’s degree or above. If you do not currently have your degree, consider going back to school on a part time basis until you graduate.
2. Strong Leadership Skills
Management looks for employees with strong leadership skills. Why? Because it takes employees with a strong self-image to lead a group of employees. A recent study concluded that an astonishing 40% of executives fail during their first 18 months in a new management position. This turn-over rate only increases the demand for an employee with strong leadership skills.
Enroll in leadership development classes to improve your leadership skills. A leader must also have the respect of their peers to be successful. There are also many career books that you can read to improve your skills. A promotion usually means a large salary raise that can change your life. Expect to work hard to prove that you are a good fit for a promotion.
3. Appear Professional
You should dress for the position you want to fill. If you want to go into management, then dress like the employees that currently fill that position. In a recent US survey, for example, lawyers who were deemed “good looking” made on average 10-12% more than their colleagues. Most upper-level management positions requires professional attire like business suits. Mimic the dress code of your superiors. This will help your managers see you in a different light.
You should also always act professional even at the Christmas party. Never drink alcohol while attending company events or talk about your coworkers. You will not likely see upper management mixing personal with business.
4. Ask for the Promotion
If you know there is an open position in your company, and you have the qualifications, simply apply for the position. You’ll be surprised to learn that 59% of employees who have asked for a promotion have received one! To make things better, only 5% of those who asked were completely turned down. Good employers want to help you achieve your career goals. Whether or not a promotion is available, there may be opportunities for added responsibility or a raise.
You will likely want to speak to your direct supervisor when asking for a promotion. You are taking control of your career when you let your supervisor know you intend to get ahead. Go beyond your current job description and offer to stay late or come in early.
Make it a habit to get to work early and stay late. Do not call in sick even if you do not feel well. Management takes notice of employees who stand out from the rest and works hard. If you have been passed over for promotions in the past, ask your supervisor where you need to improve to get ahead.
5. Work for the Right Company
It is important that you work for a company that promotes from within the company. When you are searching for new job opportunities, look for companies that state they hire from within the company. Not all companies do this, and this can make the difference between being promoted or staying in your current position. Work for large corporations that have a lot of growth and movement within the company.
If you work in the sales department, then take note of how the company hires the sales manager. A company that hires managers outside of the corporation will lessen your chances of taking your career to the next level. With the right strategy in place, you can easily be promoted.
About the author:
Cameron Johnson is a business consultant and entrepreneur. Over the course of his career he has conducted case studies on both social media optimization and non-profit marketing. Cameron has also had the opportunity to speak at international business conferences and was recently recognized as one of the world’s top 100 advertising experts to follow on social media.
