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In Focus Return Home
  Career Survival
How to Get Recognized and Promoted
Have you ever worked with someone who's on the fast track? This person is a hard worker (but not harder than you) and unquestionably intelligent (although you're equally brilliant), yet always receives the most accolades and the best promotions. Do you marvel at this person or wonder why you can't be more like him/her? What does he/she have that you haven't got?

Although it would stand to reason that top performers get promoted, the reality is that promotions don't just "happen." Unfortunately, a lot of people quietly do their jobs well, waiting to get noticed, yet are somehow overlooked when a bigger opportunity arises.

Don't be one of those people left on the sidelines. Follow these strategies to help get noticed in a good way. It takes an extra effort, but if done correctly, the end result will be worth it.

Master your current position. If you're mismanaging your current job, it's unlikely your employer will give you more responsibilities. Aim to exceed expectations and make a running list of your milestones.
Set a goal. Know what your possibilities are, and determine a path to those positions. Identify a colleague who's taken a similar career path and develop a relationship.
Communicate your goals to your manager. Tell your manager that you have set your sights on a higher position. You will likely get helpful feedback about what steps you must take to achieve your goals. (Note: it's probably a bad idea to reveal to your manager that you'd like his/her job, unless it's been decided that your manager is leaving the company.)
Find copies of the job descriptions of any position to which you could get promoted. Compare job requirements with your experiences and volunteer for extra assignments that could assist in your development.
Go beyond the call of duty. Those who get promoted don't merely meet expectations; they exceed expectations. Those who consistently exceed expectations receive attention. Those who get positive attention are more likely to get promoted. Get the picture?
Be an impeccable employee. Don't let administrative technicalities impede your promotion. Arrive early every day. Stay late. Dress professionally. Don't get involved in office gossip or politics. Be enthusiastic about your job. Have a positive attitude and improve morale in your midst. Poise yourself as an employee who can set a good example for the rest of the staff.
Toot your own horn. Don't be afraid to pat yourself on the back during a performance review. When a promotion is at stake, there is no room for humility. Keep a running list of your accomplishments and present them to your manager before review time. It will serve as a reminder of the value you've brought to your position. But never brag.
Commit to lifelong learning. Education is a necessary element in career growth. Try to learn something new every day, and find creative ways to apply your newly acquired knowledge to your budding career.

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What It Takes to
Survive and Thrive
in Today's Market
The Importance of
Lifelong Learning
Knowing When It's Time
to Move On
In Focus
What It Takes to Survive and Thrive in Today's Market
The Importance of Lifelong Learning
How to Get Recognized and Promoted
Knowing When It's Time to Move On


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