Have you been feeling like your job is going nowhere? Has it been years since your last promotion? If so, you might be looking for some career advice that can help you boost your career and land the promotion of your dreams.

Before we get into that, however, it’s essential to understand some data about promotions in the workplace. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2010, the number one reason for promoting an employee was due to their job performance. Approximately, 64% of men and 58% of women who received promotions got them due to their fantastic job performance.

Yet, there are other reasons for this, too.

Here are five tips to help you achieve better job prospects:

1. Excelling at Your Current Job is a MUST

You can do this by paying attention to details, showing that you care about the company, and show your versatility by performing additional tasks outside of your realm of responsibility. For instance, if you have noticed that work is piling up in another department and you know how to do it, volunteer to take it on. This shows your employer that you are a dedicated employee that they can count on.

2. Do Your Best to Get Recognized

The more your employer hears your name in a positive light, the better the chances for getting the promotion of your dreams. How do you do this? You might have to start with a bit of shameless self-promotion. Did you do something that you are proud of? Tell your co-workers. Did you land a new deal? Make sure your boss knows. You also might want to consider recognizing others. Not only does this keep you in the glow of the limelight, but it also shows that you are a team player, and this is going to be very important as you are going through the process of getting promoted.
The goal here is not to alienate others or put them down but to make sure “the powers that be” know that you are valuable to the organization. You must learn the art of self-promotion.

3. Become More Efficient

It doesn’t matter what type of industry you work in, by learning how to become more efficient, you will be more successful in your job. When you get promoted, it is natural to expect that you will have to take on extra work and that you must get that extra work done in a timely fashion. So, becoming more efficient now will help to show that you can handle those added responsibilities in the workplace.

4. Educate Yourself

One of the things you can do to be more efficient is to think about how you can do the same jobs you are used to doing faster and better. Another thing to do is to set both short and long-term goals. Considering a project management app or program might also work well for you. To become more efficient, you might need to try several things, but once you find out what you excel with, you will be ready to impress and get promoted.

Even a few classes or day-long seminars can be the boost you need to get a promotion, and it could also help you in any future job hunt you engage in. In some cases, you might even find that your employer is willing to help you with the cost of your education.

Though experience counts for a lot when it comes to promotions, you can’t just rely on that. Employers want their business leaders to have a solid mix of education and experience. That makes the most well-rounded employee, and those are the people who employers want to work for them in management or higher executive level positions.

5. Learn More About the Ideal Candidate

Finally, if you want to land a big promotion, it is in your best interest to find out what your employer is looking for in the ideal candidate. Then, once you know that, you can model your actions and experience to match that. For example, if you are interested in moving up into a management position at your company and you know that the ideal candidate has experience in a specific type of industry software, it will undoubtedly be in your best interest to learn how to use that software. Telling your boss that you are interested in this could even give you a leg up on others who might be interested in moving up.

Now that you know some of the instrumental tips to improve your position within your company, you can take action. If these things don’t work, you also might want to consider starting a new job search. This could be the boost you need to reach your professional goals, and could even push your current employer into promoting you within.

Working with Barbachano International can help to put you on the right path to a successful professional career. Are you currently on a Job Hunt? At Barbachano International we provide career advice to give you a competitive advantage in your career search. Please explore the following career resources and advice which can give you valuable guidance in achieving your career objectives. Also, take a look at our Job Portal and apply to the vacant positions of interest. We are happy to offer you career guidance both in Mexico, Latin America, and the US.

By Octavio Lepe

Executive Search Manager at Barbachano International (BIP), the Human Capital Solutions leader in Mexico, Latin America, and the USA, offering high-impact executive search, executive coaching, and outplacement. Octavio leads the Commercial/Sales, Marketing & Financial Services division in Mexico and the Americas.

Contact Us at (619) 427-2310 or visit our website www.bipsearch.com