The old adage of “don’t ask, don’t get” is usually true when it comes to promotions and raises. If you don’t let your manager know about your career goals, it’s much less likely that you’ll get to where you want to be. That said, workers often ask for promotions without stopping to consider if they’re ready for them, or even if they’ve earned them. If you want to impress your boss and move up the corporate ladder, what you do is just as important as what you say. Here’s how you can show your manager that you’re ready – without ever saying a word.
(Photo Credit: Pascal/Flickr)
1. Do Important Work First
What boss doesn’t love a super-productive employee who gets things done before she has to ask for them? If you want to make the most of your day and get things checked off your list, then do them earlier in the morning. Research shows that people are most productive a few hours after starting work, then efficiency takes a dip until around 3:30 p.m. Therefore, don’t put off your most important work till later in the day, because by then, your brain won’t want to have anything to do with busywork. Plan accordingly, people.
2. The Golden Rule
“Treat others as you would want to be treated” also applies in the workplace, especially if you’re looking to advance … the right way. Throwing others under the bus is no way to get ahead in your career, but it is a fantastic way to make everyone hate you and never want to work with you in any capacity ever again. Show your boss that you’re a hardworking individual who understands the importance of teamwork. Remember, “It’s nice to be important, but more important to be nice.”
3. Clean Up Your Online Image
Social media can be your career’s best friend … or its worst nightmare. If you think for moment that personal posts (like these) on your social media networks won’t impact your professional life, then you’re in for a rude awakening. Did you know that 93 percent of recruiters admit that they use or plan to use social media to find candidates online? Do yourself a favor and clean up your social profiles so that you’re not worried about whether or not your past is going to come back to haunt your career later on down the line.
4. Lend a Helping Hand
Something as simple as being kind to a co-worker or volunteering for a worthy cause can improve your reputation as a professional and build your network, not to mention make you feel good as a person. Become known as the kind, considerate colleague who lends a helping hand when you can, and your boss will surely take notice and keep that in the back of her mind when your performance review rolls around. If you think about it, lending a helping hand around the office also shows your boss that you have the initiative and skills to manage others, which will make her feel more comfortable with delegating more responsibility and power to you, without you asking.
5. Learn a New Skill
What better way to get noticed than to acquire a new skill that allows you to contribute to your company (and your career) on a great capacity? There are plenty of online resources that enable you to acquire new skills in your free time, so you don’t have to fret about courses conflicting with your job.
One of the most valuable skills you can acquire in your career is to learn how to code. In fact, President Obama said, “If we want America to stay on the cutting edge, we need young Americans like you to master the tools and technology that will change the way we do just about everything.” To see what skills are sure to make you a standout professional, take a look at this post and take your pick.
As weird as it sounds, when you help others in their journey to success, you actually get more out of it than you would only looking out for yourself. Standing out in the working world isn’t accomplished by pushing others out of the way, it comes from recruiting others to join your group. As we all know, it takes a village to advance in your career. Choose wisely.
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Great Article !!
You have given us some important points to note down and on similar note when you don’t find yourself being counted for promotion, you need to gather all your achievements and speak out, this might also help, again thank you for this wonderful article.