I recently discovered that a colleague had been promoted, so I called to offer my congratulations. Curious, I asked if she had applied for the position or was “tapped” for it. She revealed that she was indeed “tapped.”Interestingly, this has been the case for every position she’s held at her company. 

I’ve had similar experiences in my career as well. So, this week, I thought I would share a few strategies to position yourself as a top candidate for advancement.

Have Career Conversations
Make your career aspirations known. Meet with your boss to discuss your career trajectory. Even if you don’t have specific roles in mind, you can communicate your desire to grow, learn, and embrace new challenges. Explore different departments and roles within your organization and network with individuals in those areas to understand their daily responsibilities and challenges. Remember, visibility is key. If people are unaware of your interests and capabilities, you might be overlooked for promotions. Continually nurture these relationships to stay top of mind for potential opportunities.

Seek Feedback
Actively seek feedback to identify areas for development that could enhance your promotion prospects. Ask about areas for improvement AND also about your strengths that align with your career ambitions. Balanced feedback can sometimes lead to the realization that you are already suited for advancement, or at least very close, with room to grow in your new role.

Showcase Your Value
Regularly communicate your accomplishments to your boss and other decision-makers. The idea of “bragging about yourself” might make you feel uncomfortable. So, find an approach that works for you. I prefer framing it as keeping my boss informed. Share stories of your projects, the challenges you’ve navigated, and the outcomes achieved, quantifying the impact on the organization when possible.

It’s important to note that not all companies offer equal advancement opportunities. If your career conversations reveal limited prospects for growth, assess whether it’s worth the wait or if it’s time to seek a new environment that better supports your professional development and career progression.

Wishing you the best!