How to Move Up in a Company: 10 Steps You Should Follow to Boost Your Career in 2024 was originally published on Ivy Exec.
When you start thinking about where your career is headed, it’s natural to consider jumping ship and trying something new. We’ve all had those moments when work feels like a drag, and the idea of starting fresh elsewhere seems enticing. It’s no surprise, with so many people feeling burned out these days – studies say it will be as high as 82% in 2024.
But before you burn any bridges, why not take a closer look at what your current company has to offer? After all, you’ve put in the time and effort, made the connections, and earned the stripes. So why not tap into those resources and see what growth opportunities are right in front of you?
Talking to your coworkers about advancement within the company could be a game-changer. In this article, we’ll discuss how you can explore a fresh direction within your current company.
Whether it’s joining a mentoring program, making a significant shift in focus, or improving your overall well-being, we’ll cover it all.
10 Steps to Elevate Your Career in a Company
Moving up the career ladder isn’t easy, huh? But don’t worry.
We’ve got your back with some solid advice to help you reach your dream position without any hassle. Check out these 10 steps to stay on course towards your career goals.
Let’s get started!
Step 1⃣ – Be Prepared Before Asking For A Promotion Within The Company
If you’re up for a promotion or looking for new career opportunities at your company, don’t be afraid to showcase your accomplishments. Share the road you’ve traveled, the lessons you’ve learned, and why you’re excited to grow in your career. Numbers are key, so include specifics like “I increased sales by 21%” or “Thanks to me, the conversion rate increased by 15%.
Don’t stop there.
Tailor your pitch to the role you want. If you’re looking for a leadership position, highlight your talent for managing people and reel off your accomplishments, like leading projects, revamping brands, or cutting costs for a client by a cool 12%. But don’t just say you want to be a manager; show how your leadership will elevate the team – by increasing productivity, facilitating communication, and more.
By painting the big picture, you’ll let the big guys know you’re not just angling for career advancement; you’re fully committed to steering the company’s ship toward success.
Step 2⃣ – Think Of What You Want
Be honest with yourself about what you’re looking for in a career move. Studies consistently show that job seekers highly value well-being, growth opportunities, and, of course, a pay increase. Ask yourself why you want a promotion. When moving up in the company, you might not get a pay raise. Are you prepared for that? When talking to your boss about your goals, make sure they know what you’re expecting. Maybe you just need some time off.
Remember that asking for a raise or a change in position has implications for the company. If a new role comes with a higher salary but unwanted responsibilities, consider whether you can handle them. Similarly, if you excel in other roles, this should be taken into account. Discuss these factors openly with your manager to find the best solution for you and the company.
Step 3⃣ – When Asking For A Pay Raise, Back It Up With Numbers
When discussing career advancement with your boss, salary is bound to come up. It’s important to approach the sensitive topic of salary growth with confidence. Mention when you last received a raise and how your productivity has increased since then, and show that you have done research on the appropriate salary for your position in your region or city based on your skills and experience. You might suggest a 10% raise (the numbers are just for illustration).
Remember, it’s important to evaluate your salary based on your contributions to the company, your level of education, your ambitions, and your improvement plans. When you present your case for a promotion, the decision-makers need concrete evidence that you’re not only justifying the raise but exceeding it with your work.
Step 4⃣ – Don’t Wait For Management To Promote You; Start Getting Noticed Yourself
What does it really take to move up the ladder at work? Is it just about working hard? Let’s find out.
To succeed in your career, you need to follow some rules that aren’t always written down.
We’re talking about the unspoken rules. Sometimes, people get promoted for reasons they may not even realize. You could be doing a good job but still not getting promoted.
Here’s the thing: there’s a difference between being helpful and truly making a difference. Those who climb the ladder aren’t just hard workers; they’re the ones who go above and beyond. They’re great at talking to people, building relationships, and leaving a good impression. They don’t just get noticed; they get remembered. They have a kind of power that helps them connect at work, persuade people, and make a difference. It may not seem like much, but it’s really important.
Making yourself known and showing who you are is key to figuring out what’s next for you. Letting people see you as someone worth following is a big part of moving forward.
Step 5⃣ – Keep Your Eyes Open For Opportunities To Get Ahead
If you’re itching to climb the career ladder, start by scouting out the hidden opportunities around you. Here’s how:
- Come up with ways to improve employee performance, for example, you can suggest to your management the idea of creating an employee management system and thus elevating overall business performance.
- Take the initiative to lead a meeting on a topic that would benefit your colleagues.
- Don’t hesitate to ask questions to clarify expectations, like when a report is needed or what specific tasks are required.
Remember: When your bosses give you clear answers, there’s usually more to it. They’re expecting you to work faster and better.
Ultimately, your activity, your ideas, your willingness to contribute, your loyalty to the company, and the way you communicate are your strongest assets as you move up the ranks.
Step 6⃣ – Network And Learn
When it comes to career advancement, the ball is in your court. Engage in self-education and networking to move yourself forward. Choose an area for growth, enroll in relevant courses, attend conferences, and connect with people you admire. These steps will give you the momentum you need and equip you with the knowledge you need for the road ahead.
Step 7⃣ – Ask Someone To Mentor You
Getting involved in meaningful mentoring relationships isn’t just about making connections with colleagues; it’s also about nurturing your mental health and well-being. Mentorship can be a vital tool in preventing workplace burnout and gaining clarity on your future direction. By partnering with a mentor, you’ll receive invaluable support from both colleagues and management, allowing you to gain fresh perspectives and approach your work with renewed insight.
Step 8⃣ – Make Your Health And Well-Being A Priority
Your health – both physical and mental – is critical to success in all aspects of life, especially in the workplace, where we spend a significant amount of time. Maintaining good health ensures increased productivity and better readiness for new challenges and roles.
Interestingly, the majority of employers surveyed anticipate increased investment in mental health solutions (about 91%) and stress management tools (about 66%) by 2024, underscoring the growing recognition of the importance of employee well-being programs.
As an employee, you also need to take a proactive approach to your own physical and mental well-being. Whether it’s jogging, stretching, or simply taking a moment to breathe, any form of physical activity can have a positive impact on your mental health. In addition, watch your diet and make sure you get enough sleep. Strive to maintain a healthy work-life balance by carving out personal time away from work commitments. Prioritizing self-care is key to your overall well-being.
Step 9⃣ – Keep Up With Technological Advances In Your Field
Stay ahead of the curve by mastering the latest digital tools that are becoming increasingly prevalent in our work environment. To remain competitive and offer added value to your company, it’s vital to stay abreast of the latest technological trends. This means you need to be well-versed in using different platforms, analytics tools, social media strategies, online advertising techniques, and more. These aren’t even extra skills but basic ones. Enhancing your digital skills and continuously familiarizing yourself with the digital tools and software commonly used in your industry is key to moving up in the company.
Step 🔟 – Grow Your True Leadership Skills
Even if you’re not aiming for a leadership role, it’s still valuable to develop your leadership skills. Challenge yourself by leading a project, delivering presentations, attending seminars to hone your leadership skills, and learning from others. Additionally, remain adaptable, open to change, and resilient, particularly in the face of technological advancements or shifts in team management.
Learn to navigate setbacks gracefully, approach new challenges with confidence, negotiate effectively, foster a strong teamwork mindset, and maintain a positive attitude. Embracing new technologies, methodologies, and industry changes will ensure you are effective in your new role.
Ready To Unlock More Of Your Potential At Work?
If you’re thinking about a promotion or exploring opportunities within your company, focus on what feels right for you. Whether you’re aiming for a higher position or trying something new, make sure it aligns with your goals. Once you’re ready to get started, consider becoming part of mentor-mentee pairings or ask the team leader for advice. Don’t hesitate to take that first step. You’ll find the other 9 in this article.
