Positioning yourself for that promotion
- col-dan-shortridge
- June 9, 2023
- 700
It should be no great surprise that companies that largely promote from within have employees who stick around for 41% longer than the hiring-from-outside competition. Promotions are a great way to show employees they’re trusted, valued and connected.
Before posting a job, smart employers look inside first. But how can smart employees take advantage of a new opportunity that’s right in front of their face and position themselves for their time to rise?
Here are six ways to create your path to the top — or just to a better-paying role in your organization.
1. Excel in your current job. Beat expectations, shoulder new responsibilities and perform exceptionally well. Your boss isn’t going to consider you for a higher position if you don’t master your current level.
2. Always be learning. Take trainings and workshops, work toward a degree or complete a certification. A well-equipped professional is an asset to any organization.
3. Demonstrate your leadership. Step into formal roles such as chairing a work group or team or assume informal ones such as leading a cleanup project or employee resource group. Work to inspire and collaborate for results.
4. Strengthen your network. Build positive relationships with everyone you can, especially mentors and senior leadership. Develop your reputation as a problem-solver and team player.
5. Seek out feedback. Ask for input on your performance outside of the traditional annual review periods. Getting that valuable insight will help you improve your work and also shows off your willingness to improve. Your skills and growth will give you greater visibility and set you apart.
6. Show you’re flexible. Managers and senior leaders often have to be adaptable to survive and succeed. Embrace changes and tackle problems that erupt, especially last-minute snafus and assignments. Set and enforce your boundaries, to be sure, but a little flexibility can go a long way.
Employers that reward and recognize their internal talent tap into a pool of people who already have proven themselves valuable contributors who are in line with your values and know your systems and processes. If your current team is short a skill or needs to develop depth, then deliberately cultivate that and prepare your people for a shift upward.
Promoting also significantly cuts your hiring costs — job postings, recruiters, backgrounding and onboarding are all cut to zero. It’s generally easier to backfill an entry-level role from outside than a senior one.
And for employees, it improves a sense of loyalty and positive morale on your team. It shows there is room for advancement and opportunity and encourages other employees to work for excellence too.
Career Stories columnist Dan Shortridge is a nationally certified resume writer, marketing consultant and author. Email him and submit questions for future columns at resultsresumes.org.