Author: Vicky Oliver / Source: Lifehack
Career advancement is an enticement that today’s companies use to lure job candidates. But to truly uncover growth opportunities within a company, it’s up to you to take the initiative to move up. You can’t rely on recruiter promises that your company will largely hire from within.
Even assurances you heard from your direct supervisor during the interviewing process may not pan out.But if you begin a job knowing that you’re ultimately responsible for getting yourself noticed, you will be starting one step ahead.
Accomplished entrepreneur and LinkedIn Co-Founder Reid Hoffman said,
“If you’re not moving forward, you’re moving backward.”
It’s important to recognize that taking charge of your own career advancement, and then mapping out the steps you need to succeed, is key to moving forward on your trajectory.
Make a Point of Positioning Yourself as a Rising Star
As an employee looking for growth opportunities within your current company, you have many avenues to position yourself as a rising star.
As an insider, you’re able to glean insights on company strategies and apply your expertise where it’s most needed. Scout out any skills gaps, then make a point to acquire and apply them. And, when you have creative ideas to offer, make it your mission to gain the ear of those in the organization who can put your ideas to the test.
Valiant shows of commitment and enterprise make managers perk up and take notice, keeping you ahead of both internal and external competitors.
Employ these other useful tips to let your rising star qualities shine:
1. Promote Your Successes to Your Higher-Ups
When your boss casually asks how you’re doing, use this valuable moment to position yourself as indispensable: “I’m floating on clouds because three clients have already commented on how well they like my redesign of the company website.”
Tell your supervisors about any and all successes. Securing a new contract or signing a new customer should be a cause for celebration. Be sure to let your bosses know.
2. Cultivate Excellent Listening Skills
Listen well, and ask great questions. Realize that people love to talk about themselves.
But if you’re a superb listener, others will confide in you, and you’ll learn from what they share. You may even find out something valuable about your own prospects in the company.
If others view you as even-minded and thoughtful, they’ll respect your ideas and, in turn, listen to what you have to say.
3. Go to All Office Networking Events
Never skip the office Christmas party, your coworker’s retirement party, or any office birthday parties, wedding showers, or congratulatory parties for colleagues.
If others see you as a team player, it will help you rise in your company. These on-site parties will also help you mingle with co-workers whom you might not ordinarily have the chance to see. For special points, help organize one or two of these get-togethers.
Take the Extra Step to Show Your Value to the Company
Managers and HR staff know that it can be less risky – and a lot less costly — to promote from within. As internal staff, you likely have a good grasp of the authority structure and talent pool in the company, and know how to best navigate these networks in achieving both the company’s goals and your own.
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