If you are an ambitious professional, chances are you are keen to get promoted to the next level sooner or later. While some will make that step to the next level, others will struggle. So what are my 5 top tips to get promoted to the next level in your career?
Tip 1: Make Sure You Know What You Want
Easy to say and sometimes difficult to clarify in practice. It is tempting to say more money and while this might be one factor, it is in itself far too general. If someone said to you that you could have a £1 pay rise would you be happy? Probably not and probably pretty insulted too. Make a list of what you want from your next role.
Tip 2: Find Out What It Takes
The easiest and most effective way to find out what it takes to succeed at the next level is to speak to someone who is already at that level. Asking them as many questions as you can so that you can really get the insights as to what it takes to prosper at the next level.
Tip 3: Make Sure You Are Marketing Yourself Effectively
Yes you heard me correctly. When you go out into the job market you need to be able to market yourself to recruiters and employers. For most this means having a great CV or Resume. Sounds simple and in my experience the quality of CV ranges from top notch to quite frankly appalling. Where on that scale is your CV or Resume? And what can you do to make it even better.
Tip 4: Learn How To Sell Yourself
The job interview, the meetings with others, the role plays and whatever else you are asked to do are all opportunities to sell yourself and what you can offer to a potential recruiter. Sometimes people see selling as being unattractive. However we are not talking about being underhand but at the same time being willing to talk about your successes.
Tip 5: Plug The Gaps
If there are one or several things missing from your experience do something about them. Employers note holes in experience and while it might take a bit of investment and effort on your part to address these gaps, see it as an investment in your career success.
The Bottom Line: While career success does not come with a guarantee, there are plenty things that you can do to increase the probability of getting to the next level.
Duncan Brodie helps accountants and other professionals to have more success in their careers. He invites you to sign up for his free audio masterclass
Since 2006 I’ve worked with in excess of 8,000 accountants and professionals in workshops, seminars and one to one helping them land their next jobs and become better leaders, presenters and business partners. Before that I spent 25 years in accountancy climbing the career ladder from Payments Clerk to FD. I’m a CIMA Fellow, Certified Professional Coach and Team Coach Facilitator.