Are you ready to take a step up in your career? If you've got your eye on an executive role or marketing manager position, you can't expect the job to simply fall into your lap. With the impact of technology and flatter organizational structures, today's professional can no longer rely on promotion as a built-in or expected part of career trajectory--instead, you must be prepared to take the reins and manage your own career path.
Whether you're trying for a promotion or a lateral move within your current organization, or preparing to launch an executive job search, these tips will help you successfully market yourself to a higher position on the career ladder.
A mentor is someone in a higher position who will offer tips, information, and guidance on the career you want to move into--and will also put in a good word for you regarding a promotion. Some companies offer formal mentoring programs, but even in those that don't, you can often find someone willing to work with you simply by asking.
A recent study found that four out of five people promoted have some type of mentoring relationship with someone who's higher in the company.
Your direct supervisor is the person most likely to recommend whether or not you're promoted, so it's a good idea to get closer to the boss. This doesn't mean you have to become best friends--instead, focus on developing the professional relationship between you and your supervisor.
Look for opportunities to ask advice from your boss, or to discuss your performance and find out what you could be doing better. Seeking this type of direct input shows that you're interested in growing with the company, and will place you at the top of the list when promotions are decided.
Expanding your knowledge and acquiring new skills is one of the best ways to get promoted. Keep up with industry news, events, and trends, and pay attention to the current and future needs of your company so you can develop your skills in the areas that will be most valuable to your organization.
You might consider taking classes, enrolling in training programs, or obtaining certifications in the skills your industry's executives are expected to have. If you're not sure what types of skills are required, one of the best ways to find out is to ask someone who holds the role you want to move into.
The more people you know, the more opportunities you're likely to have. Make sure your professional network includes people who are in similar roles to your desired position, or people who have the decision-making power to promote you to management or an executive job. Network within your company--not just in your department, but across the entire organization.
When you're looking for an executive position or promotion, be sure to get the word out to your network. You never know where your next opportunity may present itself.
We're generally taught to be modest--but when you're looking for a promotion, no one can advocate your qualifications better than yourself. Keep track of all your work-related accomplishments, including any quantifiable results, and make sure you have them ready to demonstrate when the situation calls for it.
Let everyone know that you're seeking a promotion, particularly the decision-makers in your organization. Even something as simple as keeping your boss, and / or your boss's boss, apprised of your career progress via email on a regular basis can strengthen your chances at moving up to the position you want.
Here are just a few of the “hot jobs” Clearpoint is working on this week. Please apply for anything that is a fit for your skills and experience, and as always please feel free to share with your networks.
Leave a Reply
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
Comments (0)