If you want a promotion, you can’t just ask for it, you have to prove you are ready for it. You need to prove to your employer that you have what it takes to move up and excel in your career. Read our tips to help you prove that you are promotion ready!

Offer Solutions

Think outside of your narrowly defined position and offer solutions to help your team or the workplace as a whole. “If you see a process that could be improved, let someone know. Managers love to see critical thinking,” says Zach Cusimano, COO at mobile application maker Bizness Apps.

Work Smart                                                                                                  

“Working harder doesn’t get you ahead. It’s working on the right things, cultivating the right relationships and making sure those who can influence your career know about it. It’s much more effective from a career management standpoint to do five things well and promote your accomplishments than to try to do 25 things. Prioritize based on your values; time block to make sure you execute,” advises Elene Cafasso, founder of Enerpace Executive Coaching.

Accept More 

Doing the bare minimum won’t get you promoted. Even doing the best but only working within the confines of your job responsibilities won’t get you promoted either. Instead, speak up. Take on new projects, accept daunting challenges, and volunteer yourself. This will get you noticed and show that you will go the extra mile. 

Building Working Relationships 

“It’s not always what you know, but who you know.”

Unfortunately this line can hold true. Successful relationship building is crucial for earning that next step in your career. Make sure to form relationships with coworkers, management, clients, customers, or whoever else could have some influence in your future career. The more people that can put in a good word for you, the better. 

Establish a Development Plan 

Your boss can’t read your mind. They don’t know your career goals and they won’t know that you want the promotion unless you tell them. Instead of waiting for the perfect position to open up, work with your boss now to establish a career development plan. This will allow them to gain insight into your career goals and help you to establish goals to work towards in making them a reality.

Act the Part 

As your years in the same position or office grow on, you become complacent. Think back to your first day, you walked in with a bright smile, well dressed and eager to learn. Approach every day like it’s your first. Your positivity, willingness to contribute, and professional demeanor will get you noticed. You have to look and act the part to get the part.

Come Prepared

When you sit down with your manager, be prepared to make your case. You have worked hard to get this opportunity, now you need to have something to show for it. Instead of discussing why you are ready for a promotion, show that you a ready for a promotion. A career portfolio is a great tool to use in showcasing your work. 

Do you have any other tips on how to prove you are ready for a promotion? We’d love to hear about them in the comments below! Are you happy with your position but simply want a raise? Check out this article on how to ask for a raise (and actually get one)!

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