Workers want to get promoted. You’re probably no exception. We all want to be appreciated for our contributions; we all want to feel like our employers recognize our good work and best qualities; we all want to advance our careers. And—without question—we all want a raise. Failing to get a promotion can even be a strong motivator to seek a new job with 75% of people looking for new employment saying that being passed over for a job promotion was the reason they sought a new position.
So, if you want a promotion, how do you get one?
The first thing to keep in mind is that it’s never too early to start thinking about your next promotion. That doesn’t necessarily mean you’re talking to your managers or bosses about it, but it does mean you’re paying attention to what the typical line of promotion is for your job.
Also, try to figure out which qualifications and aspects of job performance best guarantee that you’ll get the promotion when it’s your turn. And start collecting receipts—that means keeping track of how your projects are going, what dollar amounts or percentages you’re increasing revenue, or sales, or performance. Knowing how you’ve improved the company bottom line is the best way to communicate your value to your management team.
The next step is to make sure you’re dressing the part, 43% of managers say that a shabby appearance is a reason to get passed over for a promotion with aspects of appearance like haircuts, informal attire, piercings, and tattoos mentioned as reasons a promotion may not happen as well. They say you should always dress for the job you want, and there’s no time like the present to start!
What about behaviors that can cost you a promotion? Negative attitudes and not getting to work on time tie for the top reasons an employee might lose out on a promotion with 62% of managers citing them as reasons to pass an employee by. This means it’s probably a good idea to keep your pessimism to yourself. You already know you should get to work on time, but also be sure not to leave too early and making meetings on time can show that you’re dedicated and punctual.
So if you want to get on the promotion track, it’s a good idea to identify what the track actually is for your position. Once you do, start compiling evidence for why you’re the person for the job. And be sure to keep an eye on the ways your appearance or personal behaviors and attitudes could interfere with your hopes for a better job title. If you can juggle all of these promotion track tips, you should be on the path to a great new job in no time!
