Are you ready to ask for promotion at work?
Q: I have a dilemma and could use your advice. I have been working in my current job for four years now and would like to move my current career path forward. I like where I work and do not want to look for another job, but I want to take on a more significant role. Should I stay here and wait to get promoted or start a job search?
A: Wanting to grow in your career indicates that you are motivated and interested in learning new skills — all of which interest employers. Employers can often become focused on growing the business rather than growing employees from within. Your employer could easily overlook your career goals if you do not make them known.
It helps to remember that you own your career, and even though you have been there for four years, it is up to you to convey your interests. Instead of deciding to start a job search, I suggest talking with your boss and discussing potential ways to grow.
Before you request a meeting with your boss, it helps to have a strategy focused on what you would like to discuss using a business reason why taking on new responsibilities would help the company. Outlining your thoughts to highlight your accomplishments over the last four years and emphasizing the results will help support your career goals.
In the meantime, here are five ways to demonstrate your desire to grow while communicating your interests to your employers. These five areas can help lay the groundwork for promotions.
• Start developing more collaborative skills. Become more aware of working with team members and colleagues to accomplish goals.
The key to expanding your career is your ability to work with others by brainstorming and problem-solving.
The more responsibilities you take on, the greater the need for collaboration.
• Watch for areas and opportunities where you could increase your knowledge. Always look for ways to learn from your job. You can learn from various sources, such as your colleagues, vendors, training classes, and certification courses. Seeking a mentor is also another way to expand your knowledge.
Developing a good attitude of wanting to learn by asking thoughtful questions filled with curiosity helps build rapport and sends a positive message.
• Pay attention to your communication skills. Knowing how to communicate effectively by adjusting your style to different audiences within the company is a significant factor in promotions. Practice communicating by using a clear and concise manner when meeting with others. Clear communication helps you lay the groundwork for your ideas and demonstrate leadership.
• Be aware of changes at work and develop resilience. One of the most remarkable career lessons you will experience is how to bounce back from setbacks without affecting your attitude. Unexpected events and changes will always occur in business, and knowing how to keep moving forward without negativity is a big plus.
Resilience helps you turn challenges into success by remaining focused and learning to view mistakes.
It helps to look at mistakes or failures as events rather than internalizing them. Resilience is a way in which you can adjust and adapt to change.
• Request new assignments or tasks that will stretch you. Talk with your boss, ask to take on projects that help you learn new skills, and volunteer to assist with projects.