9 Tips for Finally Getting That Promotion

You have put in your time and you feel that you are ready for more responsibility and a bigger paycheck. Maybe you have been passed over for a couple of positions or maybe you are just motivated to give yourself the best possible chance for success.

There are steps you can take to enhance your odds of taking the next step in your career.

Be proactive and advance your career with these strategies:

1. Avoid gossip and drama. There is nothing to be gained by getting involved with gossip and drama. You will find that the real power players within your organization avoid this type of activity and think little of those that partake. You might make a new friend or two, but they are unlikely to ever be in the position to help you.

2. Be early and stay late. As a general rule, you do not want to be the last one to show up to work or the first to leave. Make sure everyone is aware that you are putting in your hours. Put in the necessary facetime to get the respect you deserve.

3. Be orderly and organized. Your colleagues should know that you have your work under control. Being disorganized gives the impression that you are unable to handle your workload. Your fellow workers will assume that you can not handle more responsibility.

4. Provide solutions. Most employees provide complaints, but no solutions. Stand out to higher management by bringing potential solutions. You will make a great impression as well as being seen as a new innovator. Think about the issues in your workplace and begin working on a few solutions.

5. Ask what you can do to get promoted. Ask your manager, or his/her supervisor, what you need to do to receive a promotion. You will be one of the few that have ever asked that question. And if you actually follow the suggestions given, your boss might feel obligated to give you that promotion.

6. Speak up at meetings. The average worker dislikes meetings and or either complains or has a blank look on their face, wondering where they went wrong in life. Stand out by being attentive. Ask intelligent questions or make a pertinent comment.

7. Be reliable. Get your work done on time. Attend meetings on time. Arrive at the workplace on time. You know which of your colleagues are dependable and which are not, the boss is also aware, too.

8. Dress for the position. Have you ever observed that supervisors dress a certain way, and managers dress differently? This is true from the bottom to the top in any organization. Dress like you already have the position you desire.

9. Be willing to change departments or even companies. To receive a promotion, there needs to be an opening. Depending on the size of your work area and organization, it might take longer than expected. Consider your options outside of your current department.

Avoid being passive if you want to increase the odds of getting a promotion. Employers prefer employees that take the initiative. Advancing your career is your responsibility. Find ways to stand out in a positive way from your fellow coworkers. Earn the right to expect a promotion, and do not be afraid to look for outside opportunities, too.