Ready to get promoted at work? There’s never been a better time than now. There is a record number of job openings and an ongoing war for talent. Meanwhile, employers want to retain their best people because they know how hard it will be to find a replacement.

For you, this puts you in a strong position to ask for a promotion and negotiate a raise. As a result, you’ll be able to advance your career and achieve your goals, faster.

To help you get there, here are some steps to take first:

Think about what you want your new job to look like.

If there isn’t a specific opening that you want to get promoted into, then it’s important to have a clear vision of what you want in a new opportunity. In order to make the case for your boss, don’t just discuss the position, but the value you will be able to add to the company through it.

Look at the people around you who have been promoted.

If you have co-workers who have been promoted recently or in the past, talk to them about how they earned that promotion. What steps did they take and what habits, attitudes, and values do they embody or did they adopt? This will give you a sense of what’s important to your employer when they’re promoting people.

Talk to your boss about your future.

Before you ask for a promotion, let your boss know you’re interested in advancing your career. Talk about what that would look like and the steps you should be taking now that would help you achieve that goals. Ask for specific feedback too about your current performance and how you can reach the next level. Explain to them that you’re dedicated to growing with the company and want to reach the next step in your career.

Increase your visibility at work.

It’s important to start trying to get noticed at work. When you increase your visibility to your boss and other higher-ups, they will see your hard work and the value you’re adding. So, look for opportunities where you can lend a hand, be of assistance, put your knowledge or skills to use, and volunteer to get more involved.

Identify a problem and solve it.

Employers want to promote those who go beyond simply pointing out problems to those who come up with viable solutions to them. Doing so will distinguish you from other employees who want to get promoted too and showcase your leadership and analytical skills, along with your level of motivation.

To do this, think about the way you work in the office. What areas are impeding productivity, causing extra costs, leading to an unsafe workplace, or getting in the way of the company achieving goals? Then think through a way to solve this issue.

Be a positive presence with your attitude.

Even if you’re a talented worker, it’s tough to get promoted if you have a bad attitude. Instead, make sure you’re showing up at work with a positive attitude, being respectful to everyone you encounter, and staying calm under pressure. These kinds of traits will help you stand out in a good way and create a healthier, more positive work environment for everyone.

Work hard.

Being a hard worker and going above and beyond are key to getting promoted. Remember, you’re trying to show your boss you already have a mastery of your current role and are ready for the next step. This will likely require more of an investment of time and effort on your part, so it’s important to demonstrate to your boss that you have the work ethic to succeed.

Ask for the promotion.

Before you do, make sure you have tangible results you can point to as to why you’re a good candidate for getting promoted. Keep in mind, you’re not asking for a favor. You’re asking your boss for an opportunity to put your hard-earned skills to use, so you can add value to the company.

Given the current job market, if you are a top worker, then your boss is likely to agree and promote you. After all, they don’t want you to leave in a tight labor market where it will take a lot of time, energy and expense to find a replacement.

Handle rejection professionally.

If, however, your boss turns you down, be prepared to handle it professionally. Ask for feedback as to why they don’t think you’re ready for a promotion. This can give you valuable insight into any improvements you need to make.

Consider making a move.

If you don’t agree with their assessment and believe you’re ready for the next step, then it could be time to start looking for a new job. There are plenty of rewarding jobs available in the Houston area and employers searching for hard-working talented people like you. Switching jobs could be just the ticket into getting promoted, getting a raise, and putting your skills to work in a new and challenging way.

Need help taking the next step up in your career?

Turn to Murray Resources, one of Houston’s top recruitment teams. We have a 95% satisfaction rate matching companies and candidates and can connect you with your next great opportunity. If you’re looking for your next job, let us know. Contact us today to learn more or search our jobs now.