Here are a few strategies that you can do to get promoted into your dream job quickly!

Ask for Additional Responsibility

Be proactive in seeking out opportunities to take on new responsibilities or projects.  Many people do the bare minimum, so going above and beyond goes a long way with leadership.   Bonus points if you are able to identify a problem and work toward a solution.   Chances are your boss is already aware of them problem but may not have the bandwidth to tackle it.  Taking something of their plate will make you look like a hero and help you develop some new skills!

Network Genuinely

Most people reach out to hiring managers too late.  Once a job is posted, chances are that the hiring manager already has someone in mind.   Even if they don’t, hiring managers typically take a while to warm up to last minute candidates.  The best strategy is to network with hiring managers before you are even looking for a new job.   Start to form a relationship and get your name out there so when the next position comes, YOU are their plan.

Ask for Feedback.

Try to get as much feedback as you can to help improve on any opportunities and build upon your strengths. Ask for feedback from a variety of people you interact with including your boss (naturally), coworkers, support staff, customers, and employees if you have them. The key to getting quality feedback is asking often and pointedly. Instead of saying “How can I improve?”,  ask “what are three things that I did well in that presentation and what are three things I could look at doing differently?”.   People are often hesitant to provide feedback , especially to a peer,  so you want to ensure that you put them at ease and ask specific questions to get the most meaningful feedback.

Another key to asking for feedback is don’t be a jerk about it.  Don’t get defensive or make excuses (no matter how valid you feel they are). Just listen, smile, and thank them for the incredible gift they just gave you.   Feedback hurts, but if you use it right it makes you better. Always, remember that!

Always Be Learning

As Aristotle said “the more you know, the more you know you don’t know.”  Getting complacent in a job and feeling you are the top of your game (which you often feel when you start looking for a promotion) is a dangerous place to be. It is easy to think that you have nothing else to learn, which couldn’t be farther from the truth. Make it a point to learn something new everyday.  Do a quick Google search on your industry and read an article, go on Linked in and read an influencers post, take an online course, watch a YouTube video. With technology, you have literally zero excuses not to keep learning.   Not only will it help you get better prepared for your next role, but it shows initiative that your competition may lack.

Be an Engaged Employee

Listen to me closely on this one, don’t be a PIA (pain in the @ss).  No matter how crappy your boss is or how much you hate your job, keep a positive attitude and be professional.  I’ve seen so many employees that are actually good at their job but be labeled as horrible employees. And you know what? They NEVER get promoted.   Because not only will your current boss not hire you if you are a complainer or Debbie- Downer, but your boss has friends that also know you are a complainer and Debbie-Downer.

Make it Clear What You Want

Ideally, your manager will know what your next move is and when you plan on making it.  You want them to know as soon as possible so they can help you get there.  Your boss knows your strengths and weaknesses and can help you leverage them. They know who the key players are and can help you form the right connections and put good words in for you.  They can keep an eye out for positions that may be opening up that may interest you.

Now, this is assuming you have a supportive boss. I understand that not everyone has that.  If you don’t have a supportive boss, try to let them know anyways.  At the very least, you will have been a professional and given them advance notice that you may be open to other positions in the future.  No boss should stifle your professional development, and if they do even more reason for you to move on.

Just Go For It

Is there is a position open that you are interested in? Just go for it and apply. If the position you want doesn’t exist, create a solid business case for it.  You will never feel entirely ready for a promotion, so if that is what you are waiting on, stop it!  Just go for it.  At the very least, you will have shown your interest and gathered insight into the interview process which would both serve you well for the next opportunity.

My last piece of advice is this- at the end of the day, you own your career.  No one else on this planet does. Your boss and your organization may help facilitate some level of career development but if you sit back and wait for them to initiate your next move, you are probably going to be waiting for a while.   Show initiative, have a positive attitude, and have faith that what is meant to be will be.

What is your next move? What is holding you back?   Do you have any other tips on getting a promotion?  Leave a comment below!