Life is an ever-changing and growing phenomenon. There is always a next step in life because life is never stagnant. In the workplace, change often comes from a desire to get a promotion.
Promotions offer increased pay, stimulating challenges, greater influence, and decision-making authority. These benefits make a promotion enticing and a change worth pursuing.
Preparing yourself for a promotion begins long before the company posts the job. Competition for jobs is high. Especially as you advance in your career, the opportunities are fewer and farther between and the competition steeper.
Successfully getting a promotion depends on a lot of factors. Timing is critical. Knowledge, skills, and abilities will weigh in to a hiring managers selection. Personalities and skill sets needed on a team are also important factors. Getting a promotion is more than who is best qualified on paper so putting your best foot forward is critical.
Taking the steps below that are within your control will increase the likelihood of your success.
Know Your Values
Knowing what is important to you allows you to pursue the jobs that will best align with those values. Chasing a paycheck is a recipe for disaster if you don’t feel connected to the work. Evaluate what’s important and pursue jobs that align with your values.
Get Yourself Out There
There is an old saying, “It’s about who you know.” In reality, it’s more about who knows what you can do. Joining committees, volunteering for assignments, networking are all ways to show off your skills. Only you have the unique combination of experiences you to bring to the table.
Be Confident
Being confident means recognizing your strengths and living into them by offering help in those areas. It also means staying humble and acknowledging your short comings and asking for help when you need it.
Stretch Yourself
When opportunity arises, say yes, even if you feel ill-prepared. Any new endeavor is going to stretch you outside your comfort zone, but you will return more knowledgeable and more resilient.
Sign up for Alerts
Jobs often come when we aren’t expecting them, so sign up for alerts on job posting sites like USAJobs so you never miss an opportunity.
Prep Your Resume
Keep your resume up to date at least once a year. This way it stays fresh and only needs minor tweaking when the job you want opens.
Practice Your Interview Skills
A resume is only the foot in the door, but the interview is your chance to show how you handle yourself. Many hiring managers rely heavily on the interview, so practice in advance. Ask a mentor to interview you and provide constructive feedback on ways you can improve.
Check Your Attitude
Don’t feel entitled to the next opportunity. If you don’t get the job, avoid becoming bitter and instead remember that the right job is waiting for you if you keep an open mind.
There are many factors leading up to a job that will set you up for success. Putting your best foot forward shows who you authentically are. When you choose to put your best foot forward, you will shine.
