20 Powerful Tips For Advancing Your Career

You don't want to stay in your current position forever... you want to move up! Here are 20 ways to boost your chances of getting that nice promotion:

  • Do more than is expected of you. Prove that you're capable of handing more responsibility. Volunteer for special assignments.

  • Take initiative and do what needs to be done, before being asked.

  • Learn the skills you'll need to advance. Take advantage of on-the-job training, but don't rely exclusively on that. Consider taking (and paying for) skill-enhancing courses on your own.

  • Be loyal to your boss, your team, and your company. (Yes, you can be loyal without being a "brown-noser.")

  • Be patient and don't expect to be promoted without demonstrating your abilities over time.

  • View the big picture and understand your company's mission. Find ways to help them accomplish it.

  • Save money for your company by identifying ways to boost revenues, reduce expenses, or streamline processes.

  • Offer solutions to the problems you must take to your boss.
  • Show respect to everyone -- superiors, peers, subordinates, and especially customers.

  • Don't be afraid to say "I don't know." If you don't know something, say so; don't try to fake it. Find the answers you need.

  • Take responsibility for your actions. If you're at fault, admit it and take the blame. If you're wrong, apologize.

  • Never gossip. Gossip can hurt the careers of two people: the person being talked about, and the person doing the talking.

  • Never say "That's not my job." Don't think you are above anything. Pitch in and set a good example, especially if the job is one that nobody else wants to do. Your willingness to do so will be noticed and appreciated!

  • Share the credit. People who share credit with others make a much better impression than those who take all the credit themselves.

  • Ask for help when you need it. Don't let a difficult task get out of hand. When you need help, ask for it -- before things get worse.

  • Keep your dislike to yourself. If you don't like someone, don't let it show. Never burn bridges or offend others as you move ahead in your career.

  • Don't hold grudges. Life isn't always fair. If you were passed over for promotion, didn't get the project you wanted, etc., let it go. Be gracious and diplomatic, focus on the future and move on. Harboring grudges won't advance your career.

  • Be humble. When you're right, don't gloat about it. Never say "I told you so!"

  • Make others feel important. Compliment others, emphasize their strengths and contributions, and help them whenever you can. They will enthusiastically help you in return.

  • Join associations and professional organizations related to your career. In addition to helping you learn more about your industry, this can provide invaluable networking opportunities. (Which might come in handy if your employer isn't promoting!)

    • You may reprint/republish this article if you include my name and a link to this website.

    Bonnie Lowe is author of the popular Job Interview Success System and free information-packed ezine, "Career-Life Times." Find those and other powerful career-building resources and tips at her website: http://www.best-interview-strategies.com.

    In The News:

    pen paper and inkwell


    cat break through


    Benefits of Mystery Shopping For Secret Shoppers

    Mystery shoppers are people who are hired to scrutinize employees,... Read More

    Shades of Grey

    A paperweight sits on my desk, etched in... Read More

    No Degree, No Problem

    According to a recent survey, 52% of job candidates polled... Read More

    Can You Actually Fail A Personality Quiz?

    Q. I didn't get a job that I interviewed for.... Read More

    Resume Writing - Tips and Advice

    Job-hunting is not the most exciting thing in the world... Read More

    Can You Compete?

    Are you looking to hire the best talent? Are you... Read More

    Resume Objectives: How Do You Know if Resume Objectives Are Right for You?

    Some experts say NEVER bother with resume objectives. While others... Read More

    Skilled Mechanic Wage Study Review

    Well what is a good mechanic worth these days? You... Read More

    When The Going Gets Tough -- The Tough Keep Going

    If you've been in a job search for more than... Read More

    Rethink Your Career Transition

    Are you going nowhere in your career? If you've decided... Read More

    Think Twice Before You Change Jobs

    You've got the itch to change jobs. This might be... Read More

    The Top 10 Ways to Manage Your Career

    Many people in the last decade have experienced either a... Read More

    Useless Resume Objectives

    What's wrong with an objective on a resume? The problem... Read More

    Learn How to Throw a Boomerang

    Actually, "the boomerang effect" is a relatively new trend of... Read More

    Unlimit Your Life!

    Do you have a tendency to think in absolutes?Is everything... Read More

    The Telecommuting Tightrope

    For many of us, telecommuting seems like the ideal situation.... Read More

    Overcoming the 7 Roadblocks Women with Families Face Making Career Changes

    Family is the driving force of our lives. You need... Read More

    Taking Job Loss Seriously

    Anyone reading this article and hassuffered a job loss recently... Read More

    Benefits of Maintaining a Career Portfolio

    Have you ever tried to contact a past employer only... Read More

    Has ADHD Put Your Career in Danger? 3 Steps to Get You Back on Track

    "Roger, you must get those contracts completed for this month's... Read More

    Great Interview Skills

    Going for a job interview can be a harrowing experience.... Read More

    Genes and Work Ethic

    If you have good genes, you are blessed. If they... Read More

    3 Resume Secrets the Pros Use

    You don't write a resume every day. Not even every... Read More

    Reinvent Your Career In Five Simple Steps

    The phrase "reinventing yourself" seems to be popping up all... Read More

    Resume Success Factors--What Exactly Is A Resume Anyway?

    You know you're good...real good. The problem, though, is that... Read More

    What Every Employee Should Know About How to Overcome Boredom

    Do you find yourself easily becoming bored or tired at... Read More

    Tips for Building a Successful Career

    1. Develop excellent work habits ? for example, meet deadlines... Read More

    Career Change - Is Your Career A Good Fit Or Is It Causing Pain?

    Do you leap out of bed in the morning looking... Read More

    Why Should We Hire You?

    This is one of those broad questions that can take... Read More

    8 Steps to Getting On-Track When You Start a New Job

    Starting a new job can feel like moving to a... Read More

    Free Resume Template: What Makes a Good One?

    You can drown in the "free resume examples," "free resume... Read More

    Necessary Psychological Skills When Working in the Executive Protection Field

    The "hard" skills necessary for an executive protection specialist (EPS)... Read More

    Managing Change -- Endings Are Just Doorways to New Beginnings

    Every May we celebrate Mother's Day-a time to tell mothers... Read More