If you have been in the same job for some time, it’s easy to assume you will be promoted at some point, but if you want to hurry that promotion along you need to show your boss you are ready to take on a new role. Here are some tips on how to do this:

Visually summarize your work

When talking about what you do, give your boss something to look at. For instance when asked “why are our sales so good”, show a list of the best sellers or a list of the top ten customers buying. A visual backup will support what you are saying.

Own Projects

Employers place a premium on individuals who follow through on tasks. If you can prove that you consistently own projects from start to finish, you will not only get yourself promoted, but you will also make yourself indispensable.

Have a positive attitude

The people who typically get promoted keep their cool under stress. They also act as a role model to everyone around them. They meet deadlines and ask relevant and intelligent questions. When an issue arises they want to solve it and put in systems to avoid future problems, they learn from their mistakes.

Help others

Most boss’s look to promote people who when they complete their work ask what the next task is. Help your colleagues instead of stepping on them to climb the career ladder. Try to raise the performance of colleagues around you, it will be noted by your boss.

Tell your boss you want a promotion

It may sound simple but expressing your desire for promotion is very helpful. Sometimes your boss may not be aware that you want it or thought of you as someone who is ambitious. Often management will tell you what you need to do to improve to be considered. Be hungry.

Show pride in your work

Competence, diligence, intelligence and loyalty. All these attributes matter, but what matters most is the determination to do the best work possible. It’s the work you produce that matters. Someone who takes pride in doing good work is the person who employers will trust with positions of responsibility.

Avoid office politics

The qualities that a senior person needs in abundance are integrity and trustworthiness. These are often measured by looking at those who choose not to participate in office politics and gossip. While it is important to understand the balance of office politics, individuals who are able to rise above the temptation to participate, stand out as the best people to move into management roles.

Show commitment

When people are really committed you can tell by the quality of their work, the effort they put in and the relationships they develop. When employees show commitment, boss’s notice and try to reward them with deserved promotions. Little things like above average timekeeping and attendance are always noted by bosses

 Show initiative

To get promoted you need to show you have the initiative to solve problems and not dump them on other people. Bosses are looking for people who can work independently and are prepared to take responsibility to promote, they are not looking for someone who needs to be told what to do every step of the way.

Be exceptional

Most employers want to promote from within, but it is important that co-workers see the justification. You need to stand out. You need to be the person your colleagues come to if they need help and support.

Add value

If someone is making money, they will be promoted. Equally anyone saving their employer money is also going to move up the career ladder quickly. Employers recognise those who contribute to the bottom line, even if it is a small way, i.e.. saving postage by introducing the emailing of invoices.

We hope this will help you to get where you want to be, if you follow these basic guidelines and there is a position available, you can be confident you will be considered for it.

Good luck.