Whether you’ve got your eye on that corner office, or are just angling to move into a job where cleaning the bathrooms isn’t on your to-do list, getting a promotion is the way to climb the corporate ladder. These tips will help.

Pick the Right Job
Before you take a job in the first place, make sure it has a job promotion ladder. There’s no sense in locking yourself in to a dead-end position if career advancement is on your agenda. It’s a lot easier to get a new job somewhere with career advancement potential, than it is to transform a dead-end job into one where you can grow – so pick wisely from day one.

Make Yourself Valuable
Learn new skills – and make sure your bosses know about them. Take on additional responsibilities without being asked. At the same time, though, don’t fall into the trap of making yourself irreplaceable in your current spot. Learn things that will translate well into the job you have your eye on.

Work Harder
This won’t work if your position isn’t visible – but if your boss is watching one employee stand around waiting for customers, while another takes the initiative to pick up a broom and start cleaning up, who do you think creates the perception of being a hard worker?

Target Your Promotion Effort
Don’t just apply wildly for any job that’s better than your current job. Have a target in mind, and work towards that target. Apply for related jobs if they come open – maybe you can’t jump to your target in one try, but you can work your way there one step at a time.

Get A Mentor
Some companies have mentoring programs, but you don’t need a program to find a mentor. Pick someone in your organization who knows the ropes and who has a good reputation – and approach them forthrightly and honestly. Don’t try and schmooze them – tell them what you are doing and why. A good mentor will give you the suggestions and the grooming that you need to become the most qualified person for the promotion.

Train Your Replacement
Be ready to take the promotion, and make your bosses more comfortable about giving it to you, by preparing in advance. Cross-train your co-workers in all of your job responsibilities to defuse the argument of “we need her where she is!”

Network
Talk to people at your company. Get to know folks all over the place, and develop your personal network so that no matter what the situation, you have a connection or a contact who can help.

Promotion is never automatic or easy, but these tips will help you maximize your chances of success. Good luck!

Copyright 2008, Teena Rose, All Rights Reserved