Although our recent Notable survey reveals that young professionals have modest pay expectations when starting off our professional lives, most YPs expect significant pay increases 5-7 years into our careers. In other words, most of us are passionate about our jobs but we want to be rewarded for all of our hard work. And what better reward than a promotion?
So, how does one go about this? From the very start, it is important to outline your career goals, both short and long-term; work backwards from there in what it will take to achieve these. Secondly, it’s important for guys to leave their ego at the door and for the ladies not to be too “precious.” As Dragon’s Den’s Brett Wilson says, “If someone in the workplace ever said ‘that’s not my job’ I would suggest that be the end of the job they thought they had.”
There is a specific art to the promotion and, if you follow these tips, you may just land one….
Do more:
You can maybe scrape by doing the bare minimum but it likely won’t earn you that corner office any time in the future. Take on extra projects or ones that nobody else wants to do and volunteer for things like organizing a company outing or charity initiative. Excel at your job but do more than you were assigned to do. Don’t take on more than you can handle, however, if you are already struggling to complete the work you have. Working hard at your defined job should be your first priority.
Be a leader:
Superiors love to see someone who exhibits qualities of a good leader to make them feel secure in the prospect of them managing other people. Brainstorm new ideas that benefit the company and bring them to the table. Actively participate and offer insight and advice in meetings. Don’t confuse being a leader with being a know-it-all, however. We’ve known the type since elementary school; you know, the first to throw up their hand to answer a question won’t let others speak or even consider the ideas of others.
Be a self-starter:
If you are assigned work, try to begin early and finish early. Don’t constantly ask what you can do but take initiative and do things for yourself. Most young professionals can attest that there is never a time at the office where there is nothing to do. There is always something that can be done to serve the interest of the company and if you think otherwise, then you are probably not the first choice for a promotion anyway.
Under promise and over deliver:
When going above and beyond, remember that it is better for superiors to be pleasantly surprised by a deadline met early, a new client secured or an additional project taken on than promises of these things happening going unfulfilled. Be realistic with your own expectations and abilities to account for uncontrolled worst case scenarios before they happen. It is always better to under promise and over deliver.
Polish your people skills:
Treat everyone with the same degree of respect, no matter their position or influence in the company. By the same token, don’t gossip about people at work or complain about any perceived personal workplace injustices. To be in a managerial role requires people skills and the last thing you want is to develop a reputation as someone who is difficult to get along with or is untrustworthy.
Build relationships with seniors within your company:
Build relationships with superiors in your company in the same way you network with people at work-related events. Make sure you attend both company outings and informal drinks with coworkers and bosses. Once you know the personalities of superiors you will know how, when and if to approach them to discuss a promotion, receive constructive criticism, or to inform them of your career aspirations. Building such relationships must not be confused with “sucking up” because such behaviour may have the opposite affect on both your boss’s and your coworkers’ perception of you.
Speak up:
Make sure superiors are aware of your career goals. Ask them specifically if a promotion or new position is a potential option at the moment and, if so, what it requires to achieve the promotion. Make sure you develop these skills and practices. If they have reason to believe in you, they will likely give you extra projects or tasks that may be of benefit in achieving your goal. This interaction can be done in an informal setting as well (if done appropriately) as your boss may be in a more relaxed mood then if he or she is in the middle of their workday and likely preoccupied with their own work.
Be clear on the procedures of qualifying for a promotion
Be clear on the specifics on how promotions are granted in your specific company. A promotion could be the result of a yearly review, old-fashioned seniority or even coworker surveys. Many companies interview both internally and externally for a position, so make sure your current resume and cover letters are tailored to the job.
If you cannot move up, move laterally:
There are many reasons why a promotion may just not be in the cards in the immediate term. The worst thing to do, especially if you do enjoy working at your company, is to sulk, complain or start losing interest in the same old position you feel you’ve outgrown. Instead, look for ways to broaden your experience. Apply for a position on the same level as your existing one so that you can learn new skills, make new contacts and demonstrate not only your variety of talents, but also your willingness to take a risk.
Fake it ‘till you make it:
There is nothing wrong with acting and dressing the part until you make it. Stay up-to-date with industry-specific news, especially if it applies to your desired role or position. If you have the mindset that you are already there, then not only will you stay focused, you will be prepared when you do land that promotion.