5 things you must do to get promoted this year

Do you want to climb the ladder at work?

Getting promoted isn't just about getting more money. It means taking on new responsibilities and growing your skills.

While you can do this by taking a job at a different organization, getting a promotion shows future hiring managers that you can stick with it and make an impact.

But here's the thing: if you want a promotion, you have to position yourself to get it.

Follow these 5 steps to show your manager that you're the one to promote.

• Set clear SMART goals for yourself that align with your team's goals

• Make sure they're challenging - aim for a stretch goal

• Ask for your manager's opinion.

  From your perspective, will this goal drive toward our team's targets?

  Is there anything you think I'm missing?

• Make it happen! Reaching your goals makes the case for your ability to deliver, and will give your manager confidence that you are a good person to promote

Ask on a regular basis - not just at a formal review!

Ask your manager:

• Do you have any feedback for me?

• Have I been meeting your expectations?

• Is there anything you think I should spend more time on?

Asking for and acting on feedback shows your boss that you care about growth, and makes you a better candidate for a promotion.

Investing in your own growth shows your boss that you are serious about improving your skills and taking on more responsibility.

• Reach out to someone with skills you admire

• Get clear on how you can learn from them to make the most of their time

Your mentor can be someone else in your company, department, or just someone you admire in your field.

• Do you have a strong work ethic? If not, what can you improve?

• Are you a role model for others on your team? Even when you have to work with people you don't like?

• Do you know how to share your opinionwithout being too dominant?

This might be obvious, but showing up and doing your best is key if you want to be considered for a promotion.

Keep a list of your contributions. Just like a resume, try to add numbers to quantify your accomplishments. This is like your "evidence" for deserving a promotion.

Pick the right moment to make your pitch, then try saying something like:

I've been enjoying X but would love to take on more responsibility. What will it take for me to move to the next level and take on Y role?

Remember, it's unlikely to be a one time conversation, but asking for a promotion can be the difference between getting noticed or passed over.

Quietly doing your job well and hoping someone notices does not guarantee a promotion. It's up to you to position yourself for it.

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