5 Tips on How to Get Promoted at Work

You can take several measures to increase your chances of securing a promotion at work. While the requirements for promotion may vary from one company to another, you can distinguish yourself as a good candidate by following these practical tips:

1. Give more value

If you want to earn a promotion, you will need to think about what your company wants from you. Every employer wants their employees to contribute to the value of the company, so making a conscious effort to add value is one of the best ways to get promoted at work. You can increase your value by doing the following:

Improve your skills to deliver increasingly better results for your company.
Expose yourself to a broader range of company activities that enable you to broaden your knowledge, skills and experience and find new opportunities for career growth.

2. Pay attention to people who have been promoted

To identify ways you might get promoted, take a closer look at some of the people in your company who have received a promotion in recent years. Situational awareness is one of the keys to claiming your promotion. Look for common personality traits, achievements and habits among those who have successfully been promoted. These observations may give you a better understanding of what you need to do to get a promotion yourself.

For example, some employers tend to promote employees who demonstrate good social skills and attend all company parties. If this is the case in your company, you will need to make an effort to socialize more and participate in more company events. Some employers want their employees to be team players. In such a situation, showing a willingness to help with team projects can help you build rapport with your supervisor or manager.

3. Ask for feedback from your supervisor

If you want to know exactly what it takes to get a promotion, you can probably find out from your manager or employer. Try these steps to get valuable feedback on your performance:

Present your case for promotion to your supervisor as professionally as possible.
Create a list of your job responsibilities, achievements and the skills and experience you have acquired.
Show how your work has benefited the operations of the company, preferably with numbers or specific examples.
Express your desire to advance your career.
Be clear and straightforward about your intention by asking questions such as “Will I get a promotion this year?” and “How can I get promoted to manager?”
Be as specific as you can when asking, and follow your supervisor’s suggestions to increase your chances of a promotion.

4. Get noticed in your workplace

While working hard is important, your efforts may go unnoticed if you never put yourself in a visible position. If you want to show your employer why you deserve a promotion, you need to be noticed for your contributions to the company. Here are ways to catch your employer’s attention:

Look for opportunities where your knowledge and abilities can be showcased, such as staff meetings or performance reviews.
Volunteer to get involved in projects in other departments or participate in company-wide events.
Check in with your employer regularly to find out what they think about your performance, seek advice on how to get promoted or provide suggestions on major projects.
Dress neatly and professionally to make a positive impression on your employer and coworkers.