September 21, 2020
Getting promoted requires more than just doing your job well. To advance in your career you need to prove to your manager that you have the skills required to operate at an advanced level and are ready to take on additional responsibilities. Follow our six simple steps and you’ll be on your way to a promotion in no time ..
Step 1: Tell your manager
It might sound obvious, but letting your manager know that you’d like to be promoted is a good first step. Sometimes they may simply not be aware that you’d like a new position, or may not have considered you for a more advanced role.
Ask for a job description or set of skills the candidate is expected to have in order to fulfil the position, and get feedback on where they see your particular strengths and weaknesses. Knowing this will let you make a plan on what to focus on. Make sure you organize regular catch-ups with your manager too so you can check in on your progress.
Step 2: Upskill
Now that you know what is expected in the higher role, make a list of the areas you need to improve on. These will generally fall into three areas:
Missing certifications
If the role requires a particular qualification, do some research on how you can obtain it. Some employers may even pay for employees to sit exams or attend training that is relevant to their work – it doesn’t hurt to ask!
Skills gap
Read the job description for the specific skills you’re expected to have. Do you need to be able to balance the cash register at the end of each night? Create 20 cocktails without referring to a recipe book? Create the weekly staff schedule? Work out which of these skills you’re lacking, and then practice them! A great way to do this is by asking someone who is currently performing these tasks to train you.
Soft skills gap
Soft skills are more intangible skills like communication, leadership, or being a team player. These are often the most difficult to prove – or to improve on. Ask your fellow employees for feedback on your soft skills, as well as suggestions on how you could improve. If there are multiple areas you need to improve on, break it down and focus on one at a time.
Step 3: Take on extra responsibilities
Demonstrate your seriousness about being promoted by asking for extra responsibility. This shows that you’re prepared to take on a larger or more complex workload and aren’t just in it for the extra pay. Be specific about the tasks you want to work on, making sure they contribute to the role you’re eyeing.
It also gives you the advantage of ‘testing’ out the new role – you may find that the role you’re coveting isn’t quite what you expected!
Step 4: Go the extra mile
Go above and beyond what is expected, even of the higher role. If you’ve noticed an area that needs improvement or have a suggestion that could bring in more revenue, be proactive and implement it! Individuals that show initiative and solve problems get noticed.
It’s not just about finding ways to improve the company’s bottom line though: look for ways to go the extra mile for your customers, your colleagues, your manager and even your suppliers. The more people you leave a positive impression on, the more chance this feedback will get back to your manager come promotion time.
Step 5: Be a valued team member
Be one of those people who everyone loves to work with – managers included.
- Be reliable and trustworthy: show up to work on time, stick to your allocated break times, and don’t leave others to do your work for you.
- Be a team player: volunteer to help others with their work and share knowledge with your fellow colleagues.
- Be committed, both to your work and to the organization
- Spread positivity and good vibes – nobody likes to work with a grouch
- Become indispensable by mastering a skill no one else has, and making yourself the go-to person for that item
Step 6: Document your achievements
With so many employees, your manager probably isn’t aware of all of your accomplishments – so keep track of them yourself. This way you have a set of achievements to show when it comes time to discuss promotion.
- List out tangible achievements, like employee of the month awards
- Document skills you have acquired or updated, including new qualifications
- Note where you have gone above and beyond the expectations of your role, such as reducing costs or new initiatives
Make sure to review this list with your manager in your regular catch-ups, so they are aware of just what you’re achieved!
Nailed that promotion? If your new role includes people management, why not check out OpenSimSim – an online employee scheduling and time tracking solution. Manage availability and time off requests, communicate with employees and schedule staff fast – all from the palm of your hand.