Keys to Getting Your Next Promotion and Raise

Unless you’re one of those lucky people that claim they would still work if they won the lottery, you go to work for the money. And getting a raise or a promotion are two of the ways you can increase your earnings and contrary to popular belief, you do not have to wait until your annual review to do so.

While getting either isn’t entirely under your control, there are things you can do to improve your odds.

Get the Raise You Deserve

Use these techniques and get the raise or promotion you deserve:

Dress for success. Dress for the next job you want. Studies have shown that your appearance can make a huge difference when it comes time for a promotion. Avoid overdoing it. Don’t dress like the CEO unless that’s the next obvious transition for you. Dressing like your immediate supervisor or one step above is a good place to start

Be indispensable. Be so important that they can’t possibly let you go. You can do this by learning something they need, that no one else already knows or cares to learn. The company will want to promote you or give you a raise just to keep you happy and prevent you from entertaining other work options. Think about things you can do that will make you more important to your boss. I once hired an assistant purely for her skill in Microsoft Excel.

Become better at your job. Promotions and raises often go to those that have earned them. Be the person that deserves it the most. Grow as much as you can in your area of expertise. Find ways you can stand out from your peers. Everyone knows who the best in each department is. Be that person. Learn one new skill per month using HubSpot for free online courses to add to your skillset and set yourself apart from everyone else.

Know the people that matter and make a good impression. Every workplace has its movers and shakers. Who are those people in your company? Who is likely to have an opening soon that would be perfect for you? Who do you have to impress in Human Resources? Who makes the decisions that affect your future? Find out and become an asset to that person.

Be visible. If you do great things, but no one knows about them, you’re not getting the most out of your effort. Ensure people know about the great things you’re doing. Choose assignments that have the greatest visibility to get noticed.

Volunteer for assignments. Whenever there are new opportunities available, be one of the people that volunteer for them, but don't overdo it by taking on more than you can handle.

These are a great way to stand out, show that you’re motivated, and grow your presence within the company. If you have any new ideas for how things can be improved, present them.

Get feedback. You don’t know what you don’t know unless you ask. Ask your supervisors, not your co-workers for feedback on your performance at work. Ask for advice on what you can do to improve which will also help you get ahead. It shows that you want to do better. It also makes it hard for them not to give you a raise or promotion if you follow their advice.

Make your desires known. Let the appropriate people know that you’re interested in growing your career. Sometimes this is all it takes to start seeing some progress. Talk to your boss and their boss about this. Talk to other department heads that might also be applicable. Be careful to not cross lines or go over anyone's head.

Be willing to walk away. It’s sad, but often true, that you may not be rewarded for your loyalty and hard work. Often, it’s the person that’s willing to move on to another company that gets the raise or promotion.

If it’s been a while since you’ve gotten a promotion or raise, it’s time to change your tactics. Make yourself as valuable as you can to your company and ensure that everyone knows about it. Take your career by the horns and then ask for the increased salary you deserve.

Get a copy of "Career Affirmations" from our shop to start building a positive mind for your career today.

About: Careerspresso was created to help advance the careers of Boomer & GenX women. Morganne Gervais will show you how to get Back to Work, get a raise, get a promotion and become the obvious choice for every opportunity. Follow to stay up on the latest and greatest in career coaching.

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