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.

A woman climbs a ladder than collapses to the ground along with it.

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.

Jake Gyllenhaal Reaction GIF

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.

1. Share Your Goals

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

Miley Cyrus expressively saying 'You speak it, you give it power'

2. Ask For Feedback

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.

Oprah with hands raised, looking away with text that reads 'When someone gives me totally legitimate feedback.'

Did you know?

This Byte was created by a volunteer professional that wanted to share this insight to help you succeed - no agenda, no cost.

3. Get A Mentor

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

Seal with large, wet eyes and text that reads 'Will you be my mentor?'

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.

Quiz

What does getting a mentor demonstrate to your manager?

You need a lot of help

You're invested in your growth

You lack motivation

You are looking for a new job

4. Work Hard (Sorry, No Short Cut On This One)

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.

Text reads 'Boss: this is the third time you've been late to work this week. Do you know what that means?' Wednesday glares.

5. Ask

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?

Dwight from The Office stands on a table and yells, text reads 'Dwight Schrute is manager!'

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.

Take Action

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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