Looking to get a job promotion as quickly and easily as possible?
There are job promotion qualities that stand out no matter what industry you may be in.
I will say that it’s easier to get a job promotion if you’re already following company procedures and your file is clear of anything that would stand in your way.
Let’s go through what you can make sure you’re doing (or change) to land that big job promotion and move up.
Your Attendance Is Fantastic
I can tell you right now that attendance is the easiest thing for someone else to judge you on. Problems with attendance and being late are noticeable by everyone, not only those that you work closely with.
With that being said, know that you have to communicate when you’ll be late and let everyone know well in advance when you’re taking time off. However, this doesn’t mean things do not come up. It means that the rest of your coworkers always know what to say when they’re asked where you are.
You’re never lost somewhere. You’re organized with your time off. You may post on a shared calendar or write the days you’re taking off on dry erase board so others can see.
You show up on time. If you’re an hourly employee, you do not clock in before you begin work.
To put this simply – you don’t take advantage.
If you are not confident that everyone would give you a glowing review when it comes to showing up every day, communicating when you’re off or will be late, you need to work on this.
You’re Fantastic at Your Current Job
To be blunt, you are never going to move up if you do not complete your current tasks at the above average level.
Why would anyone give you something more difficult if you can’t get done what you have now?
Do they place C level students in honors? If they aren’t doing well in the average class, it’s very likely the student will not do well in the more advanced class.
Would any clients that you deal with speak extremely highly of you? Are you able to get them all the answers they need in a timely manner?
There are some things that are not within your control. However, are you communicating effectively with the client?
If you don’t deal with clients, think about what your co-workers would say about you. Do they lean on you for support and guidance?
Does your boss have to check behind your work because they aren’t sure that you are doing it correctly?
Do you come up with ways to make your job easier? Are you innovative?
You have to know that all the people around you would speak highly of you if they’re asked about your work performance.
If you aren’t sure if they will, it’s time to take a step back and look at what you can improve on to do your job better.
You’re Great at Communicating
Being a great communicator is so important.
Think about conversations you have in the office. Do you stay on topic? Are you able to voice any concerns without getting defensive or confrontational?
Confidence is a huge part of communication at the work place. You should be confident enough to speak your opinions in a crowd, but not so confident that you may appear cocky.
Think about others coming to you at work. Do you think you’re someone who takes the time to listen to others?
Make sure you aren’t interrupting others when they speak.
Actively participate in group meetings where your voice could be heard and others could take notice.
Your Response Time is Amazing
Your response time is the easiest way to get on the job promotion radar.
Don’t let your emails pile up before you start going through them. Have them on your desktop (or phone) with an alert each time you receive an email.
When someone sends you an email, make it a priority, no matter who it is coming from.
If you question how long it should take you to respond to emails, check out Help Scout’s article on Email Response Times.
Your response time to customers and management is immediate. Even if you don’t have the answer, you will let them know that you are working to get back to them as soon as possible.
I can’t stand it when someone doesn’t respond in a timely manner or takes days. It is literally one of the most irritating things to me.
You Take on More
You show interest in things that are important to companies like creating a diversified workforce, being an employer of choice and sustainability.
When you hear of a new initiative, you offer your help. You do your research and you’re a go-to source when it comes to change.
If there’s a new project out there, you offer to lead it or be part of the team. You offer to tackle new projects. Nobody has to come to you and ask because you offer.
Acting like you’ve already been promoted when you haven’t is like turning on a lightbulb for decision makers around you.
You’re showing that you have the initiative and time to do more. You want to take on more and be a contributing member of the organization.
You are “Pro Company”
Positive energy radiates from you and you truly enjoy working where you do.
You frown upon conversations that may put your company in negative light.
If someone feels frustrated with a policy, you encourage them to speak up, as you’ve seen change happen and you know that employees can create that change.
You truly believe in the company and want to help make it better for all employees.
You are Approachable
I wrote an article on how to be approachable so I’m not going to go into too much detail.
Knowing people outside of your department and acknowledging everyone gets noticed by those that are making future decisions. You want to be a person that people smile when they see.
Never act like someone is not important if they work at the same company. Acknowledge and respect everyone.
You Can Travel
You don’t hesitate to travel if someone asks it of you.
As you move higher up in companies, the likelihood of travel increases for most, but not all. With that said, don’t have a fear of traveling or going to a meeting that is out of the office.
Everyone has a reason they can’t go on some date. If you find yourself in that position, explain that you had plans that were already made and you’re very much looking forward to attending the next out of town meeting.
Managers should understand that at some point a trip will conflict with a personal obligation. When I say “don’t mind traveling”, I mean you’re not rejecting any offer for out of town trips because you simply do not want to travel.
You Dress Like You Have the Job Promotion
Some offices are more casual than others. You may not even work in an office environment at all.
Know that you are unfortunately judged on what you wear. Things like facial piercings may be looked upon negatively. Do not go to work with holes in your jeans, leggings, or anything you may consider risky. You want to be ready to meet a customer or accept a job promotion at any moment on any day.
I have to say, what I wear completely changes my mood. If I am in a t-shirt and jeans, I’m feeling pretty casual and laid back. I feel much more confident in slacks and a nice button down shirt. I also know that anyone could pop in at any moment and I don’t ever want to be not on top of my game.
Look at what leadership is wearing and dress like you already received the job promotion.
You are Smart
This one is pretty broad. I’m not saying you have a masters degree – that depends on the line of work you’re in.
I’m saying that if your job requires you to communicate with others, you do so in a way that is easily understood.
The same thing goes with writing emails. Your grammar is that of an educated person. You reread even the most simplistic emails as we all make mistakes.
Make sure you’re capitalizing where you should be and using correct punctuation. Also, always say please and thank you.
Be up to speed and educated in your line of work.
You Actually Say You Want a Job Promotion
Promote yourself to leadership.
When someone comes to me and says they want more, I listen. I also form opinions on people who don’t say anything. I automatically assume that they are comfortable with where they are at.
Make your superiors know that you’re willing to move up when an opportunity arises. You’re standing by waiting for that day.
When someone comes to me and tells me they want to move up, , I somewhat feel like this is a ticking clock.
Usually it’s the great employees that tell me they want more. When they tell me that, I start thinking about where they would be successful in the company. I also feel that their ambition may cause them to search for another employer if I take multiple years to find them something else.
In conclusion, don’t hesitate to ask for more as you may not be being considered as management thinks you are comfortable where you are.
Final Thoughts on a Job Promotion
Don’t waste time waiting for someone to notice you.
Put yourself out there.
Step one would be making sure that you’re doing everything right. You’re great at the work you currently do, you are following all company policies and fit into the culture, you’re attendance is perfect, and people say great things about you.
The biggest mistake is not speaking up and letting the decision makers know that you’re waiting patiently. That will do the opposite of what you want and keep you from a job promotion.
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