Enhance your chances for a promotion

You want a promotion but it doesn’t appear that you are going to automatically be offered a new position by your manager. There are a few ways to request a diplomatically and to enhance your candidacy for promotion.

Here are some of the factors most employers consider when evaluating employees for promotion.

Do an Excellent Job. How you perform in your current position is going to be important when you’re considered for a promotion. Excellent performance reviews and your reputation as an above-average employee will carry a lot of weight when the company is making staffing decisions.

Be a Team Player. Volunteer to help with new projects in the office. Volunteer for committees or task forces. Offer to help your co-workers whenever time permits. You’ll be seen as a team player and an individual that colleagues want to work with.

Network and Get Noticed. Attend company parties and gatherings. The more connected and engaged you are with your colleagues, the more they will know about you and the more you’ll stand out when it comes time to consider you for promotion. Managers are more likely to promote a someone they know well than a random applicant they don’t know much about.

Continue Your Education. If your company offers opportunities for professional development classes, take advantage of as many as you can. If your skills need updating or advancing, take continuing education or college classes. This way, your technical skills will be top level.

Be Prepared to Ask. Your employer may recognize your star qualities and offer you a promotion. Of course, it’s much easier when it happens that way. However, for some jobs and at some organizations you may need to apply for a promotion. Expect that you may have to ask or apply for the promotion you want.

Talk to Your Boss. Be sure to let your boss know that you are interviewing for a new position. You’ll want him or her on your team because your references will be checked. It’s not a good idea to keep it a secret because your boss is going to find out. It’s better that he or she hears it from you than from human resources. Do offer to help with the transition if you’re selected for promotion.

Be Prepared to Ask. Your employer may recognize your star qualities and offer you a promotion. Of course, it’s much easier when it happens that way. However, for some jobs and at some organizations you may need to apply for a promotion. Expect that you may have to ask or apply for the promotion you want.

After you ace your interview and land the position, do wait until after the company formally announces your promotion to tell them. It’s important that the company makes the announcement first before you tell your colleagues.