When you’ve been in a company for a number of years, it’s easy to feel stuck in a limbo. Whether you’re working in a position that is no longer fulfilling or taking home a paycheck that has suddenly seems insufficient, you may think the solution is to start looking for work elsewhere. If this is you, then you should also think of reassessing your options.
Here are a few ways to keep moving up the ladder:
Organize your thoughts
Set a day aside to very deliberately reflect on your career path. What do you like about working at your current company? What would you like to change? What do you dislike about your current position, and what would you rather be doing? Where do you see yourself one, five and 10 years down the road? It’s important to have a clear understanding of your own goals before moving forward with your plan.
Position yourself as a leader
This could be as simple as speaking up more often in brainstorming sessions or as challenging as volunteering to head up a major project. Show your higher-ups that you’re ready and willing to take on more responsibility, and be sure to give the best performance that you’re capable of.
Educate yourself
If the new position you’re seeking requires any skills that you don’t currently possess, do your best to attain them on your own. Perhaps knowing how to use a particular type of software will make you a more attractive candidate, or taking an advanced course in your field. If your industry is moving in a new direction, stay up-to-date on any important news or advancements. Reading about your area of interest can give you the knowledge and vocabulary you need to impress people who matter.
Get active outside the office
Show your boss that your skills are valued by other people. Speaking as an expert at an event or contributing an article to an industry-based publication signals that you’re invested in your field and have something to offer the larger community.
Speak up
Bosses aren’t mind-readers. If you’re ready for more responsibility at your job, tell them directly. Set up a meeting with your manager and calmly and confidently express your desire to move up in the company, offering very specific reasons for your request. Talk about what you have accomplished so far for the company, and what you hope to contribute in the future.
Know when it’s time to move on
When you feel you’ve done everything you can to position yourself as a prime candidate for promotion in your job, but you’re still overlooked, look elsewhere. Whether you’re truly being undervalued or your company simply doesn’t have the wherewithal to give you a promotion, value yourself enough to know when it’s time to move on.
Did you find these tips helpful? Let us know in the comments!
