How to Get the Promotion You Deserve

So you work hard. You go completely above and beyond the task at hand. Maybe you even put in some overtime and you don't really have to; you just want to, and you're on salary. Or maybe you look around and you notice other people, less qualified people, who have been promoted up the ladder rather quickly, and you can't help but resent them.

No matter the reason, you feel you deserve a promotion. So why aren't you getting one? What exactly is preventing your boss from promoting you?

First off, stop asking yourself those questions, and get moving. You have some work to do. If you truly believe that you deserve a promotion, it is up to you to prove it. And the place to start is at your very desk. Look around you. Are the papers piling up? Are you missing any deadlines? Failing to return messages? Though it may be overwhelming to think about, you must ask yourself these questions in order to justify your pursuit of bigger and better things.

Because one thing is for sure: If you don't have a handle on your current workload, nobody will be looking to advance you. Employers promote people who, at the very least, know how to manage themselves properly. If you already are up to par, terrific. If not, play some catch-up and make it a priority to get back on track. Throw out any unnecessary papers that may be cramping your style. Trust me, banishing all the clutter will speed up your push toward progress. You will soon be beating deadlines like it's nobody's business.

Onto the next step: Ask yourself what it is about you that makes you unique. Why should you get promoted over the guy in the cubicle next to yours? What makes you stand out? Whatever it is, make sure it's something that is of benefit, if not directly to the organization, then to those you work with. It could be that you're exceptionally personable, and everyone wants to be around you. They seek you out, wanting to know what you think and how you'd go about things if you were in their shoes. They trust you. Simple though this may sound, it is unique. It may seem utterly basic, but if you look around you, you'll notice that personable behavior is not on everybody's agenda.

That "something more" is what sets you apart. And whatever you do to make yourself stand out, make sure you do it in a positive way. When dealing with your coworkers, be sure not to backtalk or point fingers or overly criticize, just because you feel it will make you look stronger. It won't. Such behavior only serves to leave a negative impression of you, and reduce your friends and allies in the process.

A bad disposition will do more than just damage your likeability. It will also tarnish your standing within the company. If you truly feel that you are ready to be promoted, but at the same time, you're resentful or jealous or distrusting of those around you, your chances for advancement will be slim. When you're working for a company, you are there to contribute to a team, not to yourself. If you go about your work with constant bitterness inside you, then you're not allowing yourself to whole-heartedly make that contribution. And more likely than not, your superiors will not be inclined to reward employees that do not contribute.

If you really want to go to the next level, then you have to start thinking at the next level. You have to start thinking of your job as more than just a job. It's your career, and as such, you must handle it with care. If you bring that mentality to the table, things are more likely to open up for you.

Now, of course, we must discuss that dreaded necessity: approaching your boss.

If you've taken care of the steps I've listed, then you're prepared for this encounter. Let's review for a moment: You've got your performance up-to-speed. Your desktop is sparkling. You've been receptive, available, and responsible. You're aware of your abilities, and how easily they grow.

But now you have to make your boss aware.

It may seem intimidating, but this is really the easiest part. The difficult part is actually being the more-than-qualified employee you have become.

If you don't have an opportunity to formally set up a meeting with your boss, then look for the right time and the right place. Prior to approaching your employer, make sure that he is not in the middle of anything. The last thing you want to do is start this encounter off on the wrong foot. Be alert, and you'll recognize the opportunity when it presents itself.

The important thing here is confidence. (Note: Not cockiness, confidence.) Assertively alert your boss to your productivity, and be vocal about the things that you've learned and overcome to arrive at where you are. If your boss knows that your current position has stretched and challenged you, then he'll see that you're ready for more stretching and greater challenges.

Let's suppose that when you started out, you were overwhelmed by all the paperwork and red tape, but as time went on, you developed an outright penchant for such things. Nowadays, you zip through your paperwork like you've been doing it all your life.

This shows you have the ability to adapt. To make transitions. To be flexible. These traits will be very important to your boss when he's trying to decide who is most equipped to jump in to the recently opened position. He wants somebody, like yourself, who has overcome hurdles and will continue to do so.

Now that your boss is aware of your productivity and adaptability, it's time to delve into some of those unique qualities we discussed. No doubt he has seen them in action around the office (since they stand out and all), but you still want to remind him, just in case. You need to make the strongest case for yourself, so leave no stone unturned.

Finally, you should conclude by letting your boss know how much your career means to you. Thank him for having you at the company, and for allowing you to do what you do best. On your way out the door, let him know you're glad that he took the time to meet with you and hear you out.

When you leave your boss's office, just remember that no matter the outcome, you gave it your all. By displaying the will to seize control of your future, you demonstrated tenacity, boldness, and strength. You showed that you won't resign yourself to the backseat, where so many other people get stuck; people without the capacity to set things in motion. By turning your desires into actions, you've opened the doors to a never-ending stream of possibilities.