It’s a new year and a great time to be focusing on career advancement. However, getting a promotion isn’t as easy as asking for one. You have to show your value and why you deserve one. Before you make a move and ask for a promotion, though, start by asking for more responsibility. This shows your boss you’re ready for the next step in your career. Here are some tips to get started.
Focus on the fundamentals.
Do you arrive on time to work and for meetings? Are you prepared each day? Do you finish assignments before the deadline or on time? If you answered “no” to one or more of these, then that’s where you need to start. Focus on the fundamentals to ensure you’re doing your current job to the best of your ability. Your boss won’t give you added roles if you’re not.
Be a problem solver.
Your boss doesn’t want to hear about yet another problem without a solution. So if you see a problem, make sure you think through how to solve it before alerting your boss to it. When you have an intelligent solution ready to go, your boss will thank you and take notice.
Make customers happy.
Beyond your boss, you should also be focusing on new and different ways to make customers happy, so they remain more loyal to the company. Whether it’s going the extra mile to deal with a problem with an order or looking for value-adds you can provide, happy customers are a win for you, your boss and your company.
Ask at the right time.
Make sure you ask your boss at a good time. If, for instance, they’re in the middle of a stressful strategic initiative, wait until a better time. Also, don’t ask them in a casual way, by the water cooler when you’re chatting. Instead, schedule a private meeting and discuss it when the time is right.
Be prepared to persuade.
You need to make your case why you’re ready to take on more. Be ready to explain your past projects and the result you achieved, including times you’ve finished before the deadline. When your boss knows they can rely on you to deliver, they’re more likely to give you extra responsibility.
Don’t take a “no” personally.
If they say “no,” don’t get angry or emotional. Simply ask why and what you can do going forward to take on more responsibility and get promoted. This will help you gain the insight and feedback you need to get on track toward advancing your career.
Ready to get ahead with a different employer?
Let PrideStaff help. If there’s no room for advancement at your current company, our Phoenix employment agency can give you access to opportunities that can help you reach your career goals. Search our jobs now.
