tips for career advancement the comprehensive guide · take time. there are many smaller steps that...

Tips For Career AdvancementWorkplace Guidance |1

The Comprehensive Guide

TIPS FOR CAREER ADVANCEMENT


One of the biggest incentives for employees to succeed in their profession is the possibility of advancing in their careers. Whether these advancements arise in the form of internal promotions or a change of jobs is a matter of personal preference and opportunity. Nonetheless, there are several key characteristics shared by those who enjoy a swift climb up the corporate ladder, so to speak. It isn’t just about meeting deadlines or staying a few minutes later than your scheduled shift. To be successful in advancing, you must possess numerous skills that can be measured by your counterparts and supervisors, skills that separate you from the rest of the workforce. For some helpful tips that can point you in the direction of a promotion or advancement, check out the articles in this guide.

IntroductionGuide


Introduction

Creating a Goal-Oriented Timeline

Attending Workshops and Training Programs

Developing a Go-Getter Mentality… and Acting on It

Positioning Yourself for Internal Career Promotions

Understanding When It’s the Right Time to Leave

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If you want something badly enough, you can have it. Forgive us for sounding like your high school philosophy teacher, but the saying rings true. In your professional life, you must develop goals that relate to your wants and needs. Are you happy with your career? Do you envision yourself being the boss? Can you see yourself in this profession for the rest of your working life? The answers to these questions are not always clear-cut; it takes time to evaluate yourself as an employee and determine your career goals. The key to achieving anything you desire is establishing a goal and pursuing it. The goals you develop for your career should be difficult, but attainable. The best way to ensure you follow these goals is to create a realistic timeline. This timeline, if followed with patience and diligence, will better prepare you for career advancement and promotion opportunities.

Creating aGoal-Oriented Timeline


Combine Large Goals With Smaller Sub-GoalsYou may have a plethora of career goals. They can include small victories, like earning a pay raise or taking on additional job duties. They may also come in the form of monumental triumphs, like rising to the top of your industry. Chances are, your career goals span varying levels of difficulty and timeliness. Creating a timeline will help you break down the larger goals into easier-to-manage sub-goals. It would be detrimental to your career


advancement to believe you can become CEO overnight. Like most good things in life, promotions take time. There are many smaller steps that must be taken before the largest leap in your professional career. Once you’ve broken down a large goal into smaller steps, it becomes easier to see how the pieces fit together, which will motivate you to continue working toward it.

Assign Deadlines to GoalsMost tasks are better accomplished if they’re held to a strict schedule. Deadlines force people to complete their work in a timely manner. Imagine if the world wasn’t ruled by the clock – nothing would ever get done, and your favorite weeknight sitcom would just appear on your television whenever the producers felt like airing it (and how would you know when to open the wine?!). Much like this, your goals should be held to a timeline. Each goal should have a realistic deadline. Once you conquer it, you can move on to the next goal on your list. For example, if one of your goals is to move into a higher department at work, consider all the steps you need to take before it can happen. Perhaps it requires you to take on more projects, volunteer to lead meetings or broaden your job duties. If you believe all three of these steps can be completed within a year, then you’ve just nailed down your timeline for that specific goal. See how simple it can be?

Set Aside Dedicated TimeYour goal-oriented timeline should allow you to clearly see how your daily activities will contribute toward its achievement. Creating a timeline is a great first step, but following it can prove more difficult. Each day, you should commit a certain amount of time to your goal. The time allotted should be reasonable; always give yourself extra time to complete a task to avoid feeling pressure or anxiety about not finishing it. For example, maybe you decide to dedicate 30 minutes each week to meeting with your supervisor

to discuss extra work. This is a measurable step in your timeline and will help you feel as though you’re actively working toward the success of your goal.

Celebrate Your Victories, No Matter How SmallSome goals on your timeline may take longer than others. For each one you accomplish, make sure to track its progress. You can never underestimate the satisfaction you’ll feel from dragging your pen across a once-impossible goal of yours. As you cross items off your list, allow yourself to relish in your small victories. A little celebration here or there is deserved, but don’t let it distract you from your ultimate goals.


You probably groaned just reading that title. Whether you like it or not, attending workshops and training programs that correspond with your current or desired profession can make an enormous difference in your likelihood of earning a promotion. Not only do these programs fine-tune your job-related skills, they also show employers a willingness to learn and better yourself for the sake of the company. Some workshops may be mandatory, like First Aid or CPR classes, but there are plenty of volunteer opportunities that can influence your career advancement. Even if you believe you’re the best in your field, there’s no harm in taking a class or two to sharpen your skills.

Attending Workshopsand Training Programs


Embrace the Learning OpportunityYou should want to be the best employee in your workplace. Granted, you might get a few unsavory nicknames whispered under the breaths of other employees, but it’s you who will come out on top in the end. Your career is the only one that should be of concern. Enrolling in a workshop or training program outside of work will undoubtedly bolster your skills in a certain area. Employees who work with computers are likely to comprise the highest percentage of workshop attendees. Technology changes constantly, and only the best employees are willing to navigate the new methods of communication as they develop. Those who work with hi-tech tools should also consider enrolling in training programs designed to show them their most efficient uses. Individuals employed in a healthcare setting should consider taking multiple care workshops to decrease their chances of making a tragic mistake. No matter the job field, there is a training workshop out there that fits the bill.


Employers Love ItSpeaking of employers, a good one understands the importance of work-related training. A company is only as good as its workforce. Having a team of educated, trained and informed employees is an employer’s dream. Many drool at the thought of an employee voluntarily attending a workshop on his or her own time. If you thrived as a teacher’s pet in elementary school, you can use this logic as reason to attend a workshop. Sometimes, a promotion comes down to two highly-qualified employees. A supervisor tasked with making the decision will likely choose the one who has taken initiative in his or her own learning. When the opportunity to attend a workshop arises, take it. Even if it isn’t mandatory, you should

attend and be an active participant. Employers can appreciate your dedication to your craft, which reflects positively in your productivity.

See It as a Positive, Not a DisruptionWhy do employees hate training workshops? Well, the short answer would reveal that it’s simply a disruption to their normal routine. When people come into work, there’s a certain sense of comfort in knowing what to expect for the day. With the exception of careers in the emergency services sector, most employees have an idea of what their day will look like and when they get to leave. Attending a workshop throws a wrench in the plans and can make the entire day feel off. However,


this interruption could be viewed in a more positive light. An employee’s attitude toward a training program greatly affects the program’s effectiveness. Those who sit quietly through a training program and refuse to participate are not getting anything from it. If you’re forced to go to a workshop, why not think of it as a distraction from the rest of your job duties? Chances are, there’s some level of stress stemming from your duties. Use the workshop as a de-stressor of sorts, giving your mind a break from its usual work-related chaos.

If Nothing Else, It’s a Day off WorkIf you think about it, attending a workshop or training program has benefits aside from just learning new skills. If the program is sponsored by your employer, you’ll likely get to miss a few hours of work while you participate in the program. Who wouldn’t want to get paid to skip a day of work? Employers use this as a motivational factor to encourage their employees to attend.


We all know the type. Teacher’s pets, brownnosers, bootlickers, minions – whatever you prefer to call them, they typically make you cringe with their over-the-top, gung-ho attitudes toward mundane things, especially when suggested by the boss. All too often, people confront these personality traits with negative thoughts and attitudes. In reality, it is these very same people who thrive in the workplace. You don’t have to kiss the boss’s butt to advance in your career, but you must have a certain drive to succeed that is recognizable to your colleagues and superiors. This drive may be viewed negatively by jealous co-workers, just like you rolled your eyes at that kid in math class who was the first to answer every question. But if you want to propel yourself up the professional ladder, you need to develop a go-getter mentality. Disregard the butt-kissing and focus on your productivity. The more efficient of an employee you become, the harder it is for supervisors to let it go unnoticed.

Here are some of the qualities of a go-getter:

Developing a Go-GetterMentality… and Acting on It


Unparalleled PersistenceIt’s no secret that failing is inherently human. In fact, it is often our failures that allow us to connect with others, who can provide us with support to rally through defeat. To have a go-getter mentality, you must have an ironclad resolve. There can be no doubt in your mind that you’ll achieve what you’ve been working toward, even if it takes longer than expected. For you, quitting is never an option. It might take more than one try, but eventually, you will complete what you set out to do. It’s not easy, especially on those days where it feels like everything that could possibly go wrong, goes wrong. With extreme focus and a narrow vision, your persistence can provide you with that desired go-getter mentality.

Discipline Picture this: it is 7 a.m., you got about three hours of sleep, the kids are late for school and you spilled your coffee all over your shirt. The old you would be keen to call out of work today, right? Well, the disciplined you—the one with a goal-oriented timeline—isn’t about to let a bad morning stand in the way. To be a go-getter, you must be disciplined. This means showing up for work each and every day, no matter the circumstances. Each day is one step closer to the finish line. It takes a lot of self-motivation, but if you want to reach your goals, you won’t let anything get in between you and your personal victories.

ConfidenceShy, timid employees are the least likely individuals to receive promotions. This is partly due to the fact that they are less likely to approach their supervisor or manager about their career goals and aspirations. Go-getters aren’t afraid to communicate openly with their superiors. They are confident in their skills and abilities and want to show their managers they have what it takes to excel. Many promotions are reserved for those who demonstrate an ability to lead; timidity

and shyness are not indicative of leaders, and go-getters understand this well and adapt accordingly.

PassionThis quality is extremely hard to fake, which is why it makes the list for go-getters. If you don’t love what you do, how could you possibly muster the energy to advance in your career? Go-getters are passionate about their jobs, which is why diligence comes naturally to them. It’s a lot easier to dedicate your time and energy toward a cause if you truly believe in it. If you aren’t passionate about what you do, perhaps it’s time to consider a change of direction.


A Willingness to Accept SupportIt may be difficult for independent personality types, but a successful go-getter is ready and willing to receive support from peers. Career advancement is a tricky path to navigate on your own. You need to have a good support system in your work environment. Your co-workers, clients and supervisors can be stepping stones toward your goals. Hard-headedness can be detrimental to your career aspirations. Be sure to accept advice from those who want to see you succeed. You never know when you’ll need to call on someone for support.


Many professionals would identify their workplace as their “home away from home,” as cringeworthy as that may sound. The reality is that Americans spend a duration of their adult lives at work. Those who work a typical office job see the same people in the same environment every single day of the week. For some, it’s agonizing. For others, it can be a pleasant escape from the chaos of family life. Whichever way you choose to look at it, you should be actively thinking about the possibility of advancing in your career within your company. Internal promotions are common, as employers are usually more willing to give opportunities to those who are familiar and have put in hard work. Fortunately, we have some helpful tips and tricks that will better prepare you for an internal promotion.

Positioning Yourselffor Internal Promotions


Feel It OutContrary to popular belief, internal promotions are not easy to come by. While you may be able to use your knowledge of the company as well as relationships with colleagues as bargaining tools, speaking out about a potential job promotion could mean more harm than good. Unfortunately, some bosses may react negatively to the news of an employee pining for a promotion. Perhaps he or she thinks the employee is too valuable to lose. Before speaking to your direct manager or supervisor about your interest in the position, try to get a feel for the situation. If you believe your boss may be unwilling to see you go, talk with the hiring manager about keeping your application undisclosed, at least until you’re sure that the position is within your reach. When you’re ready to confront your boss, make sure he or she knows that your promotion will reflect positively on their grooming. Good employees are shaped by good managers, so be sure to thank them for preparing you for a new position.


employee. If you’re being considered for an internal promotion, expect your employee record to be a topic of conversation. You might have blunders listed here or there, but the worst thing you can do is lie. Instead, point the conversation toward what you learned from those mistakes. Employers appreciate honesty and love to see progress. If you made a silly mistake in your first couple of months but have an otherwise clean record, it proves you’re a quick learner and don’t repeat the same mistake twice.

Know Your StrengthsIf there was ever a time to brag, it would be during the internal promotion process. Your years of hard work at the company have earned you the right to speak highly of yourself. Don’t be afraid to brag. Employers want to see what you have to offer, especially since your strengths can often be corroborated by employees within the company. You may need to ask co-workers, previous managers and clients to help you with your so-called “brag book,” as they can often provide you with testimonials and endorsements to your skills and abilities. Include anything that speaks to your character and work ethic, especially if it stems from a professional source.

Capitalize on Your Familiarity Whether you’ve been with the company for a few months or several years, you can use your experience to improve your chances of earning a promotion. Unlike external job candidates, you already know how the company is structured. You’re familiar with the daily operations and can speak positively about this during a job interview. You might even be close with the employee who once held the position up for grabs. When it comes to knowledge of the position, you have the upper hand. Instead of making yourself seem desperate for the position, be direct. Speak with the hiring manager about the kind of employee they’re looking for. You can always sell your skills and attributes during an interview, but you may need to fight for that opportunity beforehand.

Admit Your MistakesWhile familiarity can be helpful, it can also cause some turbulence during the hiring process. You don’t have another chance to make a first impression. Your managers and co-workers already understand who you are (or who they think you are) as a person and


Throughout your professional life, you’ve probably had your fair share of bad days. White-knuckled drives home, profanity-laced yelling matches with your steering wheel – sound familiar? While the occasional bad day is normal, too many can mean it might be time to leave. Don’t hate your job with a fiery passion? Good for you! It may still be time to leave though, especially if you fall into another category of workers who are overstaying their welcome. While it may be surprising for some, lifelong careers are quite uncommon and are generally detrimental to the wellbeing of those who hold them. Read the sections below to find out if it might be time for you to consider a change.

Understanding WhenIt’s the Right Time to Leave


You’re UnhappyUnhappiness is one of the telltale signs that it’s time to leave your career. We’re not just talking about occasionally feeling sad, bored or uninterested – this unhappiness is persistent and begins the moment you step foot in the workplace, or even the moment you step out of bed. It lasts throughout the work day, and may even build to a startling anxiety-filled apex before you wearily drive home. Your career should never feel like a burden. While the occasional bad day is unavoidable, you should wake up excited and impassioned to go to work each day. If you spend most of your day wishing you were doing something else, why not go out there and do it? Life is far too short to waste your life away doing something in which you’re uninterested. Perhaps you need a complete change of occupation. Maybe you just need an unfamiliar environment to rekindle your love for your career. Don’t ignore these feelings; your gut is trying to remind you that your time is more valuable than clocking into a day full of misery.

Your Workplace Has Become ToxicA hostile work environment is more than just annoying; it’s downright dangerous. When your boss, superiors or other colleagues are making your job nearly impossible, it has become hostile. What starts with one person’s negative attitude toward work can spread to every employee and become unavoidable. Combine that with blatant mistreatment of employees, obnoxious behavior of co-workers and verbal abuse and you have yourself a prime example of a hostile work environment. Your health (and sanity) are far more important than the job you perform. If you’re unable to complete your job tasks each day because of one or more of these factors, it’s time to leave. Your colleagues may not have the courage to depart, but once you decide to search for a new job, it could create a wave. You’ll be doing yourself and others a favor by taking the steps to separate yourself from a toxic environment.


Your Responsibilities Have Changed Drastically It would be unrealistic to think your duties would remain rigid throughout your entire professional career. As time goes on, things change; strategies, methods of communication and other policies likely shift to reflect these changes. However, you should still be able to recognize your responsibilities. Do you have the same general responsibilities as you did when you first started? Is your workload lighter, even though your experience has increased? Be aware of any gradual changes in your responsibilities. Many companies, in an effort to save money and time, begin off-loading responsibilities from higher-paid employees onto interns or new hires. Their hope is that this will remain unnoticed until they can eventually shrink the size of their workforce while simultaneously saving money. Don’t let this happen to you. Keep an eye on any changes in your responsibilities, and speak up when your duties are limited. Try to seek an explanation from your superiors about the reason behind this off-loading.


Your Chances of Advancing Are SlimNobody wants to admit it, but there comes a time in everyone’s professional life when they realize they’re no longer able to advance. Whether you’ve been consistently passed over for a promotion or you’ve advanced as far as you can without further education, it may be time to seek alternate career paths. It can be difficult to make this decision, as many hold out hope for a last-minute promotion in a company that they’ve grown attached to. However, don’t let your skills go to waste in a workplace that won’t reward you. There are thousands of other career opportunities just waiting to be discovered. If you know you still have potential but feel underappreciated at your current workplace, it’s time to find a company that will notice and recognize your efforts.

tips for career advancement the comprehensive guide · take time. there are many smaller steps that...

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