Helpful Tips for Getting Promoted at Work

The best path to a promotion can vary, depending on what is going on at a particular business at any given time. For instance, staffing or structural changes at a company can affect how easy it is to get a promotion. 

Read more about company visions and values at Quanta for an insight on how to get promoted. 

​Even though every business is different, all employees can increase the likelihood of getting promoted by following a few simple tips.
 
Take the initiative.
Always be willing to jump in and help if someone in a managerial role needs assistance. Whether that means covering for them while they are on vacation or family leave or simply lending a hand when they are busy, being proactive about pitching in is an excellent way to show your supervisors that you are serious about getting ahead and that you are capable of handling the job.
 
Be an excellent employee.
Even though you may prefer to be in a different position at your company, always do your best at your current job. Staying on top of the duties that you have right now will help you stand out and get noticed. If you let your work slide, it can change the way that managers view you, making them think that you aren't capable of handling more responsibilities.
 
Let your boss know you are interested in moving up.
If you want to get promoted, it is always best to be open and honest about it. Talk to your boss about where you see yourself heading in the future. Otherwise, they have no way of knowing that you want to move into a higher position at the company.
 
Consider pursuing additional training.
Even though you may have gained a wealth of experience through your current job, additional training never hurts. Taking a class or training program to address any areas where your skills fall short is a great way to let your managers know that you are serious about getting ahead.
 
Keep an eye out for opportunities.
If you work at a large company, there are probably plenty of ways that you could advance. Companies with a lot of employees always have people leaving. Along with keeping an eye on your current department, watch for job openings elsewhere in the company. Most companies like to promote from within, giving you a leg up on outside applicants for these positions.
 
Do your best to stand out.
If you really want a promotion, you may need to get noticed by upper-level managers at your company. Even if the person who manages you directly sees your skills, it may not be enough for you to get noticed. Try to find ways to stand out. For instance, if you have a chance to talk about a new idea or give a presentation to someone in upper management, you should always take it.
 
Show your boss why you are a great choice.
When an opening arises at your company, you need to go above and beyond to prove that you are qualified for the position. A great way to do this is by showing your boss what you have already accomplished in your current position. For instance, if you implemented a change that resulted in savings for your company, make sure to point this out.
 
Dress for success.
Always dress professionally at work. The way that you present yourself can make a big difference in how seriously people take you. Wearing professional clothing that is appropriate for the position you want can help your managers view you in a different light.
 
Don't get discouraged.
It is easy to lose hope if you try for a promotion and are rejected. Don't allow your feelings to get in the way. Instead, actively seek advice, talking to your manager about how you could do better the next time. The last thing that you should do is say anything negative about your boss or the company that you work for, even if you are just talking to your colleagues, this is a sure-fire way to sabotage any future opportunities.
 
Consider different companies.
Don't allow a lack of opportunities at your current company to hold you back. Instead, consider looking elsewhere. The mere act of interviewing for different positions can go a long way toward helping you develop confidence and poise. Even if you don't wind up landing the jobs that you apply for, it is great practice for when an opening arises where you currently work.