It can be frustrating to see opportunities for promotion pass you by because others just don't seem to recognise your strengths, your experiences and the dedication you bring to your current job. Unfortunately, to be considered for a promotion, often it is how well known you are within your office, department or company, and in how good a light you are displayed within this environment that dictates your chances for that career move. It isn't enough to simply do your job well, to contribute good value and to be committed to your role. Other people need to see your contributions, your commitment and your achievements. And it is the people who make the decisions about job placements that particularly need to see your ability and worth...and they need to have seen it way before a promotional opportunity comes into play. That way, when an opportunity for career progression appears, you're first on their list of potential candidates.
So how do you achieve this visibility? Well in a nutshell, your hard work needs to be showcased. You have to actively promote your achievements throughout the company, in a way that makes you attractive to your superiors.
Here are a few ideas on how to achieve this required self promotion:
Don't run away from challenges. If you are faced with a problem, think of how it can be solved, and think creatively. Then present these ideas to your co-workers and superiors. Work with them to generate a proactive discussion on the best way to respond to this challenge, and then volunteer to take the lead in implementing the chosen plan. Acting in this way not only shows you as a creative problem solver, it also highlights your ability to bring individuals together to problem solve, and your leadership skills in terms of project delivery.
Volunteer. When projects come up that need some extra support, put yourself forward. When co-workers are struggling to meet a deadline, volunteer to support them in any way that you can - even if that is simply providing them with ongoing cups of coffee and biscuits. And if your company takes on a social responsibility to support the local or wider community, volunteer to get involved and support this cause in whichever way you can.
Let people know that you want to be promoted. There is of course a way to do this - you don't need to be so vocal that it becomes a little off putting or overbearing! But it is also no good sitting there hoping for a promotion is no-one is aware of your intentions or desires.
Try to push yourself and your work capabilities. Are there any tasks that your manager usually completes that you might be able to have a go at fulfilling? Are there any opportunities for you to learn a new skill, or to take on a more prominent role in the completion of a task or project? If so, seize these opportunities to develop yourself and to demonstrate that you can work at a higher level once given the opportunity.