Promotion is always something employees strive for in their careers. However, not everyone knows how to move up in his or her career ladders. Here are some do's and don'ts to help you in your bid for promotion.
Do be great at what you’re doing.
Number one thing you have to have are the skills and knowledge set that are needed for your position. That is not enough though. Work usually demands more from you so you have to excel at it and be diligent all the time. Be a perfectionist if you have to. Work done haphazardly and work done with attention to detail will always look different from each other. So go the extra mile.
Do learn something new everyday.
Always be on the lookout for trainings and seminars that can improve your abilities. Aside from that, there are many resources online, which you can use to read up about the trends in your current field, how to improve yourself and other tips, so you become ahead of the pack. You can also opt to take a masters and doctorate course related to your field. These learnings are not only for building your resume, but more importantly, for building yourself so you are ready when that coveted promotion comes.
Do speak up.
During meetings, communicate your ideas, suggestions and even constructive criticisms that can improve the work or the company. This will prove that you are a thinking and capable employee, not just a "yes man." Remember that an employee who intelligently speaks up will always be the one noticed as opposed to the employee who just sits there in the corner.
Do become a people person.
They say no man is an island. That is certainly true especially in the workplace. Say more than the usual "hello" to your co-workers. Get to know them, talk to them, and collaborate with them. Your co-workers will always be your support system particularly during group work. It will also not hurt your bid for promotion if your co-workers like you and will vouch for you if needed.
Do some volunteer work.
If your boss needs someone to handle a difficult task, go ahead and volunteer. This will be an opportunity to test your skills and knowledge and will get you noticed in a good way, particularly when you pull off the task excellently! Aside from volunteering internally in the company, you can also volunteer in civic organizations that need an extra hand. Be it building houses or serving in a soup kitchen, volunteering will look good on your resume, and more importantly, make you feel better as a person.
Do have concrete career plans.
When your boss asks you what your five-year goals are, you have to have an answer. Having short-term and long-term plans shows that you are organized, career-oriented and confident. Your plans will also be your gauge if your career is going in the direction you want and what you need to do to get there.
Do present yourself well.
It never hurts to dress appropriately and with style. When presenting to a client, stand properly and articulate well. These things all add up to project a confident you who might just deserve a promotion.
Don’t consider yourself indispensable.
As they always say, no one is indispensable. Even you. So don't be too arrogant and go about thinking that you are too valuable for the company. Overconfidence, especially if not backed by real skills, won't get you anywhere.
Don’t overstay in your comfort zone.
Just because you've formed friendships with your co-workers or become comfortable with your current job, doesn't mean you have to stay in the company even though you're not getting anywhere career-wise. When a good opportunity presents itself, grab it! Even if it means moving to a different company, city or country. Getting out of your comfort zone means you are flexible and open to change.
Don’t brownnose your boss.
There's nothing more annoying than an overeager, fawning employee. Brownnosing may not only deprive you of that promotion, you may also be disliked by your co-workers or even fired by your boss. So quit being a "suck up" and prove your worth not just with words but with action.
Ultimately, it's all about balancing and excelling at your worklife. Project the right amount of self-promotion, be a teamplayer, and most of all, be the most hardworking and best person you can be.