Promotions and moving up the ladder, what’s the cost?

Before a college student graduates, they typically have to take at least one class on tips for entering the workforce, and they can count on hearing from a lot of career experts. One thing most experts will agree on is the first day of their new job they should start thinking about their next job. As irresponsible as this sounds, it’s true.

History speaks for itself in that 75% of college graduates change places of employment within the first two years of graduation at least once. The reason is, they are so eager to find work upon graduation that they tend to jump on the first opportunity to come along only to find themselves dissatisfied with their choice and how little room there is for advancements.

The key to making these changes successful is staying with the first job long enough to get a little training under your belt before you bolt and go to the next adventure.

Promotions aren’t easy to come by

With any company, promotions are not guaranteed nor are they handed out freely. Before technology, smaller organization structure, and globalization- employees kept an open mind about climbing the ladder to corporate success. However, with all these changes, job structures have faced changes.

Moving ahead into today’s economy and structure, it is up to the employee to manage and create their career paths themselves. In other words, more employees are being hired at advanced levels now than ever before and there is less “bottom on the totem pole” type positions.

Is it worth taking a risk and staying at a lower level as you train with the outlook that maybe some day you can advance? Of course. Even if that means working for the smaller company in the beginning. There are ways to help your chances of getting that promotion, and these are;

1). Be open to mentoring: Four of out five people that receive promotions did so by allowing themselves to mentoring by personnel with more knowledge and experience under their belt. Having a long-term co-worker voice for you and your capabilities to perform a job is always a good step.

If you work for a company that offers mentoring programs, it will behoove you to sign up. Building strong relationships with people in higher positions in the company will give you leverage, knowledge, and hands-on experience for testing- if required for a promotion.

2). You have the skills necessary for the job: Promotions aren’t always due to past job performance, but it sure can’t hurt being able to prove you have what it takes to do the job that comes with the promotion and you can prove it.

Your past employment and the skill level you performed at your job will carry you along way if you are competing against others for the position. Keeping records of your qualifications and expertise is what will get results.

Employees that can show they have a proven record of enhancing a business’s bottom line shows the employer that you are innovative and creative, company oriented and that you have commitment and loyalty to the success of the organization.

3). Self-promote yourself: you know the old saying,”nobody likes you more ” Use this to your advantage and self-promote.If no one knows your talents and strong points, you won’t get far up the ladder. You may be just another employee in regards to the quantity in workers but make sure you are also a known quality within the company.

If you stand out for any reason including significant accomplishments, leadership and awards see to it that people are aware of them- particularly the promoter that sees your employment packet.

Sell yourself and why you feel you deserve the promotion. If you operate via company email system, send those in management an introduction email and outline your devotion to the enterprise and share accolades and accomplishments you have that will enhance your odds.

4). Know your immediate supervisor: Your boss can make or break you in any given situation. Use your abilities to remind him/her of the success you have within the company. You want your boss to be one of your number one supporters that will go to bat for you when you need a good reference.

Use the professional avenues at your disposal to implement your desire to stay with the company. Take employment reviews as an opportunity to discuss your strengths and weaknesses that may hinder or enhance your chances of being promoted.

5). Learn new skills: Expanding your skills and knowledge is never a wrong move whether you are looking to seek a promotion or not. Technology advances daily and to compete in the corporate world; the more tech-savvy you are, the higher in demand you will become.

Keep yourself educated in the news and world around you and the industry you specialize in and choose your growth there. Picking up extra computer classes on the latest electronic devices is a great way to stay ahead.

6). Volunteer your time and talents: Work as a team with other departments if you see they lack in an area you have knowledge. Ask for more workload or responsibility if you find you have time on your hands.

Taking on extra duties shows your desire and interest in the success of every person within the company, not just yourself. The more networking you do, the more people know about your skills and determination to receive that promotion. You can never have too many people cheering you on from the sidelines.

Proving you are qualified, and the best candidate for a promotion can be nerve-wracking if others are competing for the same position. You want to be the best pick, the only right pick for management to feel they should choose.

Education and determination are both proven to assist with the success of an employee that isn’t interested in staying at the bottom for very long. Be sure to check with Human Resources for any classes offered within the company that could advance you above other candidates and market yourself to show you are the right choice.

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Hansica Kh.

Hansica Kh. is a content strategist with a proven track record for editorial innovation and a passionate marketer with over 6 years of experience. Holds a Master's degree in Human Resources Management.