As part of our "Get Your Career Into Shape!" campaign, we've been sharing career and job search related tips and advices throughout February. This article is fourth in the #CareerShapeUp series.
Trying to figure out the magic formula that can get you promoted? Are you looking for the next big challenge in your career? Read on to learn what you should be doing to get noticed and to move on to a senior management position.
Career goals never end with a break into your niche industry; rather they become more and more focussed and ambitious with time. The good thing about today's corporate landscape is that you don't have to wait for a stipulated time period before getting promoted to the next higher position.
With the right educational qualification, skill set and experience, you can work your way up the corporate ladder sooner than before.
Here're a few ways how you can make this transition faster, smoother and
easier.
1)Let Your Interest Be Known
Contrary to the common belief, asking for a promotion reflects an individual's enthusiasm, determination and ambition. Employers recognise that it is not always driven by financial incentives, but by the aim to accomplish career goals and make a mark as a successful professional.
Make sure you communicate your interest to your boss, HR and senior management team. Build solid rapport with your boss and other senior level professionals and ask them for advice on what you need to accomplish or learn in order to get a promotion.
Use networking events to develop mentoring relationships, market yourself, seek guidance and stress your interest in climbing the career ladder. While doing so, make sure you present yourself as a matured professional who understands his/her priorities and is willing to learn and grow. Never resort to undue flattery that can have a negative effect on your promotion plans.
2)Keep Developing your Skills Sets
For upward movement, you need to develop and refine your skills sets in areas where you want to venture into. This may mean undertaking a professional qualification, higher education, or attending workshops/seminars/conferences, or getting involved in challenging projects.
You can also get a mentor who can help you develop essential transferable skills, for example leadership,management, communication, problem-solving and negotiating skills. Keeping abreast of the latest industry trends and events is equally important.
3)Get your Attitude Right
Employees often get so wrapped up in promotion that they fail to realise their broader career goals. While it is natural to aim for a next executive position, cultivating the right attitude is the key to success. Never lose sight of your long-term career goals and align them with your strategic plan that will enable you to work your way up.
Be proactive, confident, creative and persistent and conduct yourself professionally at all times. Put some effort in building a good professional reputation - it can earn you respect and goodwill, as well as improve your chances of getting better project assignments or even a promotion.
4)Venture Out of Your Comfort Zone
Find time to volunteer for projects and responsibilities outside your department or team. Make sure that your volunteering work complements with your career plans. For example, if your next role requires you to have management and organisational skills, you might volunteer to help the management team at your office.
Asking for more responsibilities is a good way to demonstrate your passion and interest to see your company succeed.
5)Be Flexible and Ready to Take Challenges
In the post-recession corporate scene, upward mobility is no longer the only way to achieve career progression. It is time for professionals to consider lateral moves as an alternative to upward movement, rather than getting stuck at the current level indefinitely. This move needs thorough planning and self-assessment - being flexible in terms of a small-term rotation or a lateral/diagonal move can give a head start to your career advancement plans.
Many companies also outsource senior level positions in order to cut costs and attract the best talents. So you need to develop a global mindset and show willingness to travel/relocate.
As a trusted career partner of choice in the Channel Islands, AP Personnel specialise in recruitment in finance and non-finance related sectors from junior to middle management. If you are looking for a job in the finance
sector or seeking advice on how to move on to a next challenging role, please get in touch with our experienced consultants now!
Our sister group, AP Executive can help mid to senior level professionals primarily in the finance industry as well as the legal sector.