Boost Your Career for a Promotion or Pay Raise
Are you ready to take your career to the next level? Securing a promotion or pay raise involves more than just doing your job well.
It’s about standing out, showing initiative, being open to change and learning, and making sure you’re noticed for all the right reasons. Here are some practical tips to help you get started!
Some Ways You Can Stand Out
Stay Informed and Share Knowledge
Being well-informed about industry trends and news can significantly enhance your personal brand! Subscribe to leading sources in your field and keep up with the latest developments in your area of expertise. When you get the chance, take some of the information and compile a resources file or document to share with your team, this also can demonstrate your ability to organize, prioritize and provide helpful information. By sharing interesting articles or updates with your team, it shows that you’re a team player and can also keep you top-of-mind for new opportunities.
If your manager notices that you’re staying up-to-date and sharing useful information, it could positively impact their perception of you, especially when new opportunities arise!
Speak Up and Get Involved
One of the best ways to get noticed is by actively participating in meetings and discussions. If you’re someone who prefers to stay quiet, we know that it might feel challenging or intimidating to speak up. However, stretching outside of your comfort zone can be very beneficial to your overall growth. Don’t be afraid to share your ideas or ask for more information when needed; it shows that you are engaged and take your role seriously.
When you contribute to brainstorming sessions and offer creative solutions, you also demonstrate your ability to think outside the box and show your problem-solving capabilities. This kind of initiative can make you stand out as someone who’s ready for more responsibility and/or an increase in financial compensation.
Invest in Your Professional Development
Continuing education and professional development are crucial for career growth. Look for seminars, workshops, or courses related to your current role or the role you aspire to. Present a case to your manager explaining how attending these events could benefit both you and the company. Look for a mix of paid and free opportunities that you could attend, as well as your co-workers, as suggesting options can also shed a positive light on your consideration of finances as well as your teammates’ professional development.
If you’re passionate about a particular area, consider investing in it yourself. Online courses and flexible learning options are great ways to build your skills outside of work hours. We have several articles available to help with some professional development such as:
Dress for Success
The way you present yourself can impact how you’re perceived in the workplace. The old saying, “dress for the job you want, not the job you have,” rings true. Pay attention to the dress code in your office. Whether it’s business suits or casual attire, ensure your clothing is well-groomed and appropriately styled. Your appearance should reflect professionalism and align with the expectations of your role.
More Ways to Propel You Forward
1. Document Your Successes
Keep track of your achievements and how you’ve contributed to your team’s goals. This can be especially helpful for when you are doing annual job reviews with your supervisory; this can be an opportunity to share what you have achieved throughout the year.
2. Request Feedback
When you can, try to schedule a meeting with your manager to discuss your performance and areas for growth. Ask them for feedback, both positive and constructive. When they share, keep those things in mind and consider taking notes after your meeting and work on the areas of growth, and continue to do well in the areas they identified as your strengths.
3. Stay Positive
When you can, maintain a good attitude, even in stressful situations. We know this won’t always be possible, and hey, we’re human and we will get angry or frustrated sometimes. As best you can though, take mental breaks and return to the project or situation when you feel strong enough to face the challenge with good spirits.
4. Take on Challenges
Volunteer for new projects or tasks to show your willingness to grow; demonstrate your ability to be open to learning and prioritizing additional tasks.
5. Showcase Skills
Demonstrate your interpersonal, work-related, and management skills.
Not sure what those might be for you? Try checking out “Identifying Personal & Professional Strengths” or “Social Skills in the Workplace”.
6. Network Informally
Attend work social events to build relationships with colleagues (but don’t overdo it, or you may make people uncomfortable).
7. Always Meet Deadlines
We know this sounds like a give-in, but, always aim to complete your tasks on time, even if it means putting in extra effort. If it doesn’t look like you will make a particular deadline, be sure to communicate clearly and politely with all involved. Do your best to avoid this, though.
8. Be Genuine
Authenticity is key! Be yourself, and let your best qualities shine through.
Overall, to move forward in your career, focus on building a strong personal identity and making yourself stand out so you can increase your chances of securing a promotion or pay raise. Remember, it’s about being proactive, genuine, and continuously working towards your career goals!
Additional resources to help you aim for that promotion!
Ranstad is a Canadian agency that offers job search and career advice services! Their article covers, in detail, how to ask for a pay raise and most importantly: how to prepare to ask for one! (Including being aware of negotiations, doing your research, building a case for yourself, etc.)
Kootenay Employment Services has a collection of articles on various career advice topics that might give you some addional insight when it comes to marketing yourself!
Indeed’s guide offers a great article with examples on how to ask for a raise at work!
FreshGig has an excellent article that covers 5 key points about aiming for a promotion at work, and how you might get there.
