Career advancement is a huge goal for many people in the modern workforce. After all, advancement offers significant rewards: an increase in salary, a larger say in how a company is run, and – for most – a chance to achieve greater satisfaction in their working life as a whole.
So you got the job after being A Stay At Home Mom. You’ve been working there for awhile and now you want to move up.
However, career advancement rarely just happens. While it would seem preferable if employees work hard and have their talents eventually recognized, in busy companies, it can be difficult to keep track of every individual. As a result, if you’re hoping to advance in your career, then you’ll need to be directly involved in the process. Below, we’ve identified the five keys to advancement, so that you can be sure your career is always on an upward trajectory.
1 – Self-advocacy
As career advancement rarely just happens, learning to self-advocate is an important skill that will stand you in good stead. If the opportunity arises, speak to your boss about applying for promotions within the company, and raise the possibility of advancement in every performance review. People tend to respond favorably to people who advocate for themselves, seeing them as “go-getters” who are ambitious and determined to succeed – all of which are attributes that are prized in the modern business landscape.
2 – A dedication to continued improvement
Focusing on continuing to learn, improve, and certify your abilities is incredibly important when it comes to advancing your career. Consider options such as MBA online programs to help build your resumé and demonstrate both your business acumen and your desire to continually improve and develop your skills.
3 – Be willing to volunteer and provide assistance whenever needed
Being willing to step forward for complex projects, or to take on extra responsibilities, helps you to stand out to your boss as someone who is keen to be involved in the company as much as possible. When advancement opportunities arise, the fact that your boss has observed the fact that you are always ready to step in and provide assistance should reflect well on you and ensure that you are at the forefront of their mind.
4 – Reliability
Your boss needs to know that if you say you will do something, then they can consider it as good as done. In a similar vein, garnering a reputation for punctuality is also helpful, so try to keep good time. On occasions when you might be running late, always call in advance to explain the reason – this helps to demonstrate that you take punctuality, and your job itself, very seriously, which is always well-received.
5 – Being social
It is all about working the crowds, even at work. People want to work with people that are likable, and that can get a long with their peers that they are currently with. You could get passed over for a promotion just for the perception that you are not a team player and only out for yourself. So get out there and have lunch with people, socialize, go over and introduce yourself to people. These small but sometimes difficult steps can be the difference of you getting the promotion over someone else.
6 – Knowing when to walk away
Sometimes, career advancement will not be possible within a company you are already working for. Some companies outright avoid recruiting from within, while others simply may not have any positions available during your time there. If you’re not able to advance in your current company (even though you have made it clear you hope to do so), then don’t wait it out and hope for the best: be prepared to move on to greener pastures where opportunities are more likely to come your way.
The above ideas should hopefully help you to advance your career, and subsequently enjoy all the benefits that doing so can provide.
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