Want to Get Promoted? Here are Some Top Do’s and Don’ts!

Do you want to be promoted? If so, then you need to make sure that you don’t make these top mistakes. If you do, then you may find that you end up stuck in the same job you have now, and this can make your life way harder than it needs to be. If you want to find out more, then take a look below.

Do: Make your Boss Like You

If you want to get a promotion, then one of the things you can do is try and make your boss’ job easier. You probably have a good idea of what your boss worries about, so take steps to try and make things easier for them. Step up and allow them to see the bigger picture. Cover their responsibilities while they are out of the office if you can. This will help them to enjoy their time away more.

Do: Focus on Communication

Another thing you will have to do is work on your communication skills. Getting promoted usually means you are stepping into some kind of leadership role. The more people you are responsible for, the more important your communication skills are. Spend some time now, trying to learn how to talk with people and also get involved. If you invest in your relationships now, then you will be able to guarantee a smoother transition, and this can help you going forward.

Do: Ask how you Could Do Better

Another thing you need to do is find out how you could do better. You’re probably doing an incredible job with your position right now, but you do need to show your boss that you are capable of handling a promotion. That doesn’t mean that there isn’t any room for improvement though. Ask for constructive criticism and don’t get defensive about it. If you can do this, then you can prove to them that you are ready to take things to the next level.

Do: Focus on Training

If you want to make the most out of your job promotion, then you need to put a major focus on training. Make sure that you are always trying to reach that next level and that you are willing to put the work in to ensure your professional development. It may be that you look into ARF administrator recertification classes or that you simply try and undertake a course to become a better leader. Either way, focus on training and being the best, you can and everything else will work to your advantage. 

Don’t Think that you are Competing!

It’s never usually a case of you vs. other people. There is always room for you to succeed, and just because you want to pursue a role that has opened up, doesn’t mean that other people want that same role. You don’t need to put other team members down, just so you look good. If you do this, then you may find that you end up struggling to stand out as a great team member and this can work against you.

Don’t: Give an Ultimatum

Another thing you need to do is avoid giving an ultimatum. Outdated career advice will probably tell you to leverage a job offer so you can get a better role at your current place of work. This can be a bit of a savvy move but at the end of the day, you have to be prepared if things do not go your way. If you don’t, then you may find that things end up becoming more difficult for you in the future.

Don’t: Keep your Struggles a Secret

It is also so important that you don’t keep your struggles a secret. You probably know that staying quiet doesn’t get you noticed but at the same time, you shouldn’t hide your struggles either. Don’t be afraid to let your manager know if you are having a hard time with something and also let them know if there is anything they can do to help out. It may be that they create a new role or that they expand the team and move someone up. Simple things like this can make a huge difference, so keep that in mind.

Don’t: Give a Sob Story

You may have a lot of childcare fees to pay, or even a sick family member to take care of, but either way, you should not try and get ahead by giving a sob story. If you do, then your place of work may see through this, and it can work against your professional development.

*This article is based on personal suggestions and/or experiences and is for informational purposes only. This should not be used as professional advice. Please consult a professional where applicable.