Getting a job promotion isn’t about doing your current job well; it’s about showing that you can do the next one even better. Here are 10 ways to help you get noticed and promoted:  

1. Show enthusiasm and curiosity

Energy is infectious, so don’t be shy to love your position out loud. So, show interest in your work, your colleagues, and your workplace.

2. Develop an area of specialization

Developing an area of specialization at work can help you stand out from the crowd. It can also help you build trust and credibility, leading to greater opportunities. It becomes part of your personal brand as a professional. You can communicate this area of expertise on your performance appraisals, resume, cover letter and LinkedIn profile.

3. Volunteer at company/departmental projects, events & committees

You’ll get to meet new people and expose yourself to skills & experience you may not get in your current role.

This doesn’t have to take a lot of your time. For example, some board members meet quarterly or semi-annually. Similarly, you may choose to volunteer with an organization for a few hours a week. 

The goal is to ensure that this exposes you to people, work and opportunities that will help you move up at work. 

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4. Build and leverage relationships with your leadership team and other leaders in your industry

Always remember that people hire people. Networking can help you identify unadvertised opportunities and connect you with hiring managers. Consider doing things like:

👉🏾 Creating or updating your LinkedIn Profile and connecting with appropriate contacts.
 
👉🏾 Attending online professional networking events on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Eventbrite.
 
👉🏾 Approaching professionals and hiring managers in your field directly.

5. Seek opportunities for training and development

This will help you acquire, improve, or refresh your skills. First, inquire whether a training budget is available for your current role and make use of it. There are also tons of resources online to improve your skills. For example, look at LinkedIn Learning, Udemy or Coursera.

6. Speak up and participate in work meetings

Your voice matters!

Are you dreading the idea of speaking up at work? Practice, practice, practice… starting in small groups will help you build the confidence needed to speak up in larger groups.

7. Support your co-workers

Be a team player and focus on your work’s impact on the overall organization.

Highlight others’ achievements and give credit where it’s due.

People like to work with those they know, like, and trust – so don’t be afraid to expand your circle of influence.⁠

8. Share your ideas and suggestions

People are receptive to suggestions, and you might have amazing ideas. Let them be known!

9. Send your boss periodic updates on your achievements

Rather than waiting for others to notice you, be proactive. Not comfortable speaking up?

There are other ways to make your presence known. For example, try a bi-weekly or monthly email to your manager highlighting some of your key achievements during that time.⁠

10. Communicate your desire for growth

Lastly, unspoken expectations don’t get met! It needs to be clear with your leadership team that you are looking to move up. By communicating your goals, your leadership team can support you in moving to the next level.

Conclusion

Remember that hard work alone won’t land you that job promotion. You need to speak up, be visible and get noticed!