Feeling stuck in your current role and craving a promotion? Let me help you ease your stress just a bit. Today we're going to talk about some key ways to position yourself for that big step up in your career.
I know firsthand how challenging it can be to juggle work, family, and personal goals and feel like you aren't making enough progress in your career. Trust me when I say that with a bit of hard work and strategic planning, you can absolutely make that promotion a reality in a way that makes sense for you.
Here are seven HR-approved tips to help you get there:
- Take on extra projects. One surefire way to catch the eye of your boss and show you're ready for more responsibility is to volunteer for extra projects that genuinely interest you outside of your usual job duties. This can be anything from organizing a company event to taking on a high-profile client. I can't stress enough the importance of you actually having an interest in the project(s).
- Identify opportunities for process improvement. Are there any inefficiencies in your department or company you could help streamline? Take the initiative to identify these opportunities and propose realistic solutions to your boss. Emphasis on realistic solutions here. Think about the resources (time, money, human, etc.) that would be needed to execute on your suggestions. Pull your thoughts together in a presentation and pitch away!
- Build relationships with key stakeholders. Make an effort to get to know the decision-makers in your company and build relationships with them. This will not only make you more visible to them, but it will also help you understand their priorities and goals. The relationship will also help them understand your strengths and the value you add to the organization. You want your name to be front of mind when a promotion opportunity is being discussed.
- Seek feedback and take action on it. Don't be afraid to ask for feedback from your boss and colleagues, and then take action on it. If they suggest areas for improvement, work on those areas and show your commitment to growing and developing. I'd even challenge you to journal (my faves are here) the journey. What feelings came up when you received the feedback? Have the actions been challenging for you? What have you learned from this journey?
- Document every single win. Make sure you're keeping track of all your accomplishments and successes, both big and small. This will come in handy when it's time to make your case for a promotion. I suggest saving a folder in Outlook and even one on your desktop. Take it a step further and print and/or email the feedback to your personal email. Why? If we've learned nothing else in these uncertain times, we all know your job can come to a screeching halt in an instant.
- Continuously learn and develop new skills. Stay up to date with the latest trends and technologies in your field and look for opportunities to develop new skills. This will not only make you more valuable to your company, but it will also show you're committed to your own growth and development. I highly recommend LinkedIn Learning, but I hear Coursera is also great!
- Stay positive and persistent. Finally, remember that the road to a promotion can be a long and winding one. Stay positive, stay persistent, and keep working hard. I highly recommend regular meditation (I love the Balance app) and being intentional about moving your body when you start to get discouraged.
So there you have it, ladies. Seven tips to help you position yourself for that promotion you've been dreaming of. Remember, with a little bit of hard work and strategic planning, you can absolutely make it happen.
Feel like you might need a little extra support and professional guidance along the way? Don't hesitate to reach out to us here at Virtual Six Figure Mom. We're here to help you achieve your career goals while still being the amazing moms you already are. Schedule your Discovery Call so we can get started.
Need a printable checklist? I got you covered here!
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