Get Ahead at Work

By Frankie W

You may have worked in a job position for some time now, and are looking to move up in the corporate ladder. You don’t want to get stuck in a dead-end position, but you’re not sure how to grab your boss’ attention to consider you for a promotion. And you don’t want to demand it, for fear of rejection or possibly termination. So how can you demonstrate to your leaders you are ready to progress, without being so aggressive?

· Make Sure There is an Opportunity for Growth
Find out if and what specific options or positions are open for you to apply for. If you truly want to earn it, put in the effort to meet its requirements. If no opportunities are available, you may want to think about working for another company that offers a better range of opportunities.

· Show Up & Show Up on Time
Show that you care about having your job by being punctual and having great attendance. This will help to display to your employers you can be responsible and dependable. Employers like to know their employees can be reliable.

· Exceed Expectations in your Current Role
What is expected in your position now will help determine how you would meet expectations in a higher or new position. Meet your deadlines, be on time for breaks/lunches, respect your authorities, and push the envelope on a regular basis. This will help in deciding that you would be the reliable candidate when it comes to job performance.

· Be Respectful to your Peers/Co-workers
You might be leading them someday. It would be wise to leave as many good impressions on the other workers as you can. I’m sure you wouldn’t want to work for a boss who refused to smile, didn’t greet you, or even held the door when you were passing through. Respect can go a long way. People remember how you made them feel.

· Never Get Comfortable/Strive for Better
Think about what qualifications are needed for the position you’re wanting. Do you need some sort of education, have prior knowledge in a field, or had to put in some length of service? If this is truly what you want, find a path not an excuse. In order to work in some managerial positions, you need a minimum Bachelor’s Degree. Earning a degree will not only help you in this job, but will help you in your future ones as well. Likewise, if you just wanted a promotion, you may have needed to work at your job for a certain amount of time before you can be considered for another position. Specific requirements have to met beforehand. If it’s what you want, you’ll work to make it happen. Strive to always learn and do better for yourself, no matter what. Do Not Give Up! Challenge yourself and be adventurous. You never know where it could lead you.

· Take Advantage of the Opportunities Available
Go for it! Employers love to see that you want to do better for yourself and are impressed by the effort you put in to do so. By exploring your options in your company, you are exposing yourself to more experience and your employers will know you are not one to get comfortable. Who knows, they mean even try to help you move further!

Ultimately, having great attendance, exceeding your position’s standards, and constantly working hard will help you to get ahead at work. Prove to your boss that you are the best candidate for the job