Have you just been turned down or passed over for a promotion? The feeling can be depressing. Maybe you had career advancement on the brain, and wanted to move from junior level to senior level but failed to make the cut. Don’t be discouraged. Yes, that sounds easier said that done. But it’s not the end of the world – another opportunity will come around, and when it does, there are things you can do to lock down that coveted promotion. This blog post will cover how to get promoted the next time the opportunity presents itself.
After all, many professionals have been passed over for a promotion they felt they deserved, and come back stronger and more successful. Here’s a breakdown of what you can do, and what to avoid doing, to ensure that you get promoted next time.
Many professionals have been passed over for a promotion they felt they deserved, and come back stronger and more successful.
How to get promoted next time around
You’re much more likely to lock down a promotion if you:
Exceed your numbers
The secret to any career advancement always starts with exceptional performance. For instance, SDRs who make a high volume of outbound calls and constantly log qualified demos and other key wins can easily negotiate an AE position. This is because you can say, “I have accomplished this, and can evidently do more.” This aspect requires you to work both hard and smart. Use each rejection as an opportunity to learn skills that will get you there. And don’t be afraid to ask for help. Doing so demonstrates that you’re serious about improving and truly earning that promotion. That’s a good look.
Communicate clearly with your boss
Performance may only get you a pat on the back. The most common mistake that many people make is to assume that a good report is all you need. Management may not know that you want a promotion. Nobody just gives it to you – you have to express the desire for a promotion. If you speak up, your boss may alert you on potential opportunities on the horizon.
Nobody just gives it to you – you have to express the desire for a promotion.
Go the extra mile
Many people who want to know how to get promoted often forget that a promotion means more responsibility. You must, therefore, demonstrate the ability to handle more complex tasks competently. It’s not just about exceeding at the tasks in your job description. It’s about going above and beyond, and taking on big tasks outside of your role. You should use every opportunity you get to show that you can lead effectively by providing a vision that can enhance how things are done in the office. A visionary mind shows that you’re capable of creating unique solutions to existing problems and that you also desire the best projection for the company.
Be accountable
Accountability deals with competence, integrity, leadership, and reliability. But it also means knowing when you’ve fallen short, and accepting it. When you learn that you didn’t get the promotion, the last thing you want to do is get defensive. Don’t try to convince your boss they’ve made a mistake – their mind is already made up, and this will only make you look petulant. Take the news like an adult. Ask why you fell short of the promotion. And whatever shortcomings they tell you, communicate your intention to work on them.
Be humble
One element of humility is the ability to ask for help. Career advancement is a dynamic and collaborative process. You can’t always achieve it alone. You need your team’s support to improve in areas that are still lacking. Speak to your colleagues and other stakeholders who have been in a similar position to identify common keys that worked for them. Also, seek a coach or mentor who can inspire and motivate you to reason beyond your frame of reference.
Don’t blow it! Here’s what to avoid.
Just as important as what to do is what not to do. Here are some ways to get on the fast track to self-sabotage.
Unresponsiveness
This factor ranges from timidity to laziness. Perhaps you know a few people who are great at their job but very poor at expressing themselves. Don’t be that employee who sits at the same desk for years because you were too afraid to ask for a promotion. On the other hand, other employees see an opportunity for a promotion, but don’t respond, failing to realize that the opportunity isn’t just going to sit there waiting for them. Prepare yourself to approach management both physically and psychologically. Then go for it.
Silly mistakes
Many people miss out on opportunities for career advancement because of silly mistakes. These may range from tardiness, to clumsiness, to forgetfulness. Very few bosses, if any, would promote an employee with the above-mentioned characteristics. You need to show up to work on time, meet deadlines, and prefect your presentations to avoid messing up. From the moment you decide to chase that promotion, set your mind on improving your profile at the office. Make sure that you’re always listed as a potential candidate for upcoming opportunities.
From the moment you decide to chase that promotion, set your mind on improving your profile at the office.
Self-doubt
There is no conspicuous trait like self-doubt. Your boss can notice your lack of confidence the moment you cross paths. You need to believe in yourself and in your ability to deliver what you say you can. A confident person can demonstrate leadership and agility. All it takes to project confidence is to push fear away and hold your head up no matter what. Practice the art of self-worth by investing time and effort into your personal well-being.
Final word
Career advancement requires time and effort to plan and align your work profile to characteristics that provide opportunity. Learn as much as you can from what went wrong, and stay resilient. If you play your cards right, you’ve got a solid chance at getting that promotion. It just may not be in the same manner or same pace as someone else.
References:
http://careerbuilder.ca/blog/2011/07/13/cb-10-things-you-can-do-right-now-to-improve-your-chances-for-a-promotion/
https://www.ringdna.com/blog/how-to-get-promoted-from-sdr-to-ae-advice-from-real-account-executives
https://mailshake.com/blog/sdr-ae-promotion/
https://www.themuse.com/advice/13-ways-to-show-your-boss-youre-ready-for-the-big-promotion
http://careerbuilder.ca/blog/2011/07/13/cb-10-things-you-can-do-right-now-to-improve-your-chances-for-a-promotion/
http://careerbuilder.ca/blog/2011/07/13/cb-10-things-you-can-do-right-now-to-improve-your-chances-for-a-promotion/