The past year hasn’t been easy for working professionals. The rise in the unemployment rate, the excessive layoffs, and the downsizing of the companies have made matters worst for the employees. Watching one’s friends and colleagues losing their job, has left people to wonder about their own job. There has been a cloud of anxiety over the professionals which isn’t easy to get rid of. 

Given the state, making ourselves valuable for the firm is critical than ever before. If you are looking for getting promoted or wish to retain your job, here is a list of things you can do to achieve it. 

1. Develop a dynamic personality

Want that promotion next month? Make sure you prove your worth to your employer by being a dynamic personality. You should be offering more than what is expected in your job description or profile. May it be preparing for the presentation you weren’t asked for or stepping up for that next tedious project. Make sure you start making a presence for everything that you are good at. 

2. Be a leader

Leadership is one soft skill that is the most demanded one. Only when you have the leadership traits, you’ll be able to prove your worth to your employer for a better role in the organization. Be a team player but prove that you are distinct by leading the clan. Next time you are offered a new project, take the lead and ownership for it. This will mark you as a versatile personality amongst the many employees.  

3. Take initiative

Companies these days, want employees that are self-starters. Ones that know how to work independently with minimal aid from their supervisors. Taking initiative is a valuable skill set as it demonstrates that you can manage different projects on your own and can work with diverse people in different departments. To get that promotion faster, volunteer for leadership roles, help your co-workers, and be the first one to brainstorm different ideas to help improve the overall performance of the company.

4. Keep a record of your achievements

May it be as meager as giving new ideas in daily meetings or as major as giving the best presentation of the month, make sure you keep a record of all the achievements to date as that is what is going to give your promotion. Not to forget the periodic performance reviews are a major part of any role. Maintaining a record of all your big and small achievements can help you prove that you are hitting the KPIs

5. Upskill

In the highly competitive world today, getting that promotion isn’t as easy as there are many individuals vying for the same position. Thus proving time and again that you are distinct is very much essential. This is possible only when we upskill from time to time. To set ourselves on the upward path, there is a need to take a lateral move first in order to position ourselves better. Thus concentrate on honing the present skills and gain some new ones.  

6. Be proactive

Being proactive implies planning and preparing for things in advance. It builds a personal brand and reputation for you at work. Being proactive signifies that people can count on you for reliability. One of the major characteristics of a proactive mindset is focusing on the things that are in one’s control. They are the ones who face the challenges head-on and are persistent with their work. Being proactive can help you stand distinctly amongst all the employees and can pose a better chance for you to get that promotion. 

Finally, 

7. Ask for that promotion

Although it may sound basic, it is important to understand that it is better to ask for promotion than to expect it. Many employees, waste time by expecting a promotion, meanwhile other employee asks for it and gets one. All the former suggestions are of no use if you keep waiting for things to happen as per your will. So do not wait and take that step today!