Climbing the ladder
With employers cutting back on posts and redundancies increasing, your goal may be more about holding on to your job rather than climbing the ladder. Those senior roles may be more elusive as a result, but that is all the more reason to plan your approach and try that bit harder. Here are some tips for getting that all-important promotion!
- Dress for the role ahead. So they let you come in in jeans at your level but not for the more senior roles? Don’t succumb to the easy wardrobe option in the morning, dress like you have a more senior role and you will be taken more seriously when you apply for one.
- Model your behaviour on a senior colleague that you admire and who carries weight in your organisation. If you have a tricky situation or conversation at work, think what they would do and act accordingly.
- Talk to your manager about any skills gaps that you have, and if you can, be open about your goals. If they are worth their salt, they will want to help you develop your role, and move upwards. They can support you in giving you the chance to get more experience.
- Some companies have amazing internal training opportunities. Find out what is on offer and make the most of this. It will beef up your CV, help you build networks around the organisation, and get you ready for the next step.
- Get a coach. Yes really! Coaching will help you work out what baby steps you can take now in order to make the big jump upwards sooner. I know I also found coaching invaluable when newly-promoted and needing a confidential and non-judgmental lifeline.
- Build your internal networks. The more people you know around the organisation, the more you will hear about opportunities, and gain a credible reputation for yourself. Don’t be shy, go on in there and build your rapport with others, it is vital.
- Finally, and especially if you find confidence an issue, act as if you have a more senior role. By the time you have an interview for a promotion, you will already feel like you are doing the job and are more likely to impress.
These are just a few ideas. What works for one doesn’t work for all, so try some out and find out what feels right for you. If you want to explore your own situation in-depth and work on a very tailored programme based on where you are right now, and what works for you, then please give me a call or email me to book a session.
I wish you the best of luck, and as always, please do share your own tips with everyone below.
Claire
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