With a tight job market and an ever-growing demand for workers, it’s no surprise that many people are finding themselves at a crossroads. Do you continue seeking your next opportunity or stay put in your current role? How can you get promoted at your current job? The answer may not be as straightforward as you think. Getting promoted is not always a foregone conclusion. Even those with the requisite skills and qualities may struggle to move up the ranks if they do not have the right environment to succeed. Fortunately, there are numerous ways to get promoted other than simply asking for more responsibilities or moving up in your organization’s hierarchy. Here are eight practical ideas on how to get promoted at your current job
1. Be flexible and adaptable
Companies are facing an increasing number of external and internal changes. Industries are also changing rapidly, forcing employees to respond accordingly. This is why it’s more important than ever to be flexible and adaptive. Having an agile mindset is essential; it helps you stay ahead of the curve, look at problems from a different perspective, and have a positive attitude.
2. Be a problem-solver
To advance in your current role, you must be able to identify and solve problems immediately. This might seem obvious, but many job candidates shy away from handling issues head-on. You can, however, use this approach to your advantage. When you observe a problem facing your team and can devise a solution incorporating leadership and teamwork, This is an excellent opportunity to solve it and demonstrate your value.
3. Be a subject matter expert
A subject matter expert is a person with extensive knowledge of a particular job, process, department, function, technology, machine, material or equipment type. Many companies use SMEs to identify potential challenges in a specific field and find ways to overcome those challenges. SMEs can also help companies create innovative processes that save time and resources or increase profits.
4. Demonstrate leadership
Leadership is one of the most important skills you can possess while trying to get promoted at your current job. Not only will it help you stand out among your competition, but it will also serve as an excellent example for your colleagues. Remember that while leadership can be demonstrated in various ways. A simple way to show leadership is to take the initiative to find ways to help your team succeed. You can accomplish this by being a servant leader. Always try to find a way to help others, even if you don’t receive recognition for it.
5. Embrace automation
Automation is a major trend in almost every industry. As technology becomes more accessible, people use it to its fullest potential. Increasing efficiency is one way to improve your company’s bottom line. It means being able to take less time to do things, or to be able to do more within the same amount of time. Automation also alleviates stress, because things will be done and you don’t have to worry about remembering to do them. You can rest easy knowing that your processes are implemented without intervention.
6. Create a portfolio of your work
Also called a “career portfolio,” “job portfolio” or “professional portfolio,” a work portfolio is a way to display a comprehensive collection of your best work to potential employers. Your portfolio can contain proof of your
skills, samples, visual demonstrations of your craft and letters of recommendation along with your resume. Portfolios are commonly required during the hiring process for jobs in the art, design, publishing and tech industries.
Build Your Network
Networking isn’t merely the exchange of information with others — and it’s certainly not about begging for favors. Networking is about establishing, building, and nurturing long-term, mutually beneficial relationships with the people you meet, whether you’re waiting to order your morning coffee, participating in an intramural sports league, or attending a work conference. You don’t have to join several professional associations and attend every networking event that comes your way in order to be a successful networker.
8. Be a change agent
Finally, take the time to consider how you can use your skills to help others in your field. This is a great way to contribute to the community and offer value to your company. For example, you could start a company-wide initiative to help other employees who need assistance with career development. Or, you could help your manager identify ways they could better help employees. This is a great way to demonstrate how you can help others and contribute to your company’s success. This can be a great way to show your supervisor that you’re ready for promotion.
Wrapping Up
Getting promoted at your current job can be challenging, especially if you don’t have the right skills and qualities for the role. Understand that your promotion is attached to your efforts to make others around you better. If you can make them better, it will help you shine as a leader.
