Plan your future with career advancement strategies and career growth tips that show you how to get promoted at work and take control of your professional path.
Planning your career can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re also trying to keep up with day-to-day work responsibilities. But with today’s job market being as competitive as it is, employers are looking for people who not only do their jobs well but also show that they take initiative in their professional growth. That makes taking time to think about your future one of the most powerful steps you can take to build a career you truly enjoy.
Instead of waiting for promotions or new opportunities to come to you, focus your efforts on strategic career planning, which will help you create a roadmap that puts you in control of your career path. Confused about how? We’ll walk you through some proven career advancement strategies, from how to get promoted at work to tips for long-term professional development planning. You’ll learn how to identify opportunities, position yourself for success, and stay ready for whatever your career throws at you next.
How to show your employer that you’re ready to advance
Many employees wait for a promotion to be handed to them, but advancing in your company usually takes a little more strategy. One of the most important first steps is understanding your company’s promotion pathways and organizational structure. Ask HR or your manager what it takes to move into the next level role, whether that means meeting certain performance metrics, gaining specific skills, or simply raising your hand for new challenges. Then, think about using some employee promotion strategies like these, which can help you stand out while showing how your skills align with your company’s goals.
Build relationships and gain visibility
Building relationships is a key part of workplace advancement. The more connected you are with decision-makers, the more likely they are to think of you when new opportunities open up. Ways to expand your visibility could include:
- Getting to know colleagues in other departments
- Volunteering for cross-functional projects
- Seeking “stretch” assignments that challenge you (and help you grow!)
- Taking part in company events or committees
These actions make you more visible and help you develop internal job advancement opportunities you might not have known existed.
Speak up about your goals
When you meet regularly with your manager for performance check-ins, don’t be shy about sharing your career aspirations. Self-advocacy is an employee promotion strategy that signals to your employer that you’re engaged and ready to grow. By communicating your goals clearly, you also make it easier for your manager to connect you with resources, training, or projects that better prepare you for that next step.
Lead from where you are
Even without a formal leadership title, you can demonstrate leadership qualities—which employers are always looking for—by taking initiative and being proactive in your own growth. Look for opportunities to mentor newer team members if you feel ready, but also seek out mentorship for yourself. Having a mentor can give you insight into how others have successfully navigated corporate ladder climbing, and it provides guidance as you face your own challenges.
You can also show leadership by suggesting process improvements, volunteering for projects that help the team, and speaking up with solutions during meetings. This kind of workplace leadership development shows managers that you’re ready to grow and willing to invest in your career advancement.
How to prepare yourself to take on the responsibilities of a potential promotion
Once you understand your company’s promotion process and how to indicate that you’re looking to advance, it’s time to work on yourself and your own skills. After all, you need to be prepared to meet and exceed those expectations that come along with a new position! So in addition to the employee promotion strategies we’ve already discussed, take the time to work on professional skill development as well.
Develop key skills
You should always consider new ways to upskill and make yourself more valuable as an employee. This can include a mix of hard and soft skills relevant to your next career step, like:
- Technical training to stay current in your field
- Communication, collaboration, or conflict-resolution skills
- Leadership development courses or workshops
Professional skill development is an ongoing process, and your employer is more than likely invested in you gaining new skills. They may offer tuition reimbursement or learning stipends, which you can use to gain certifications or take courses that strengthen your qualifications. If they don’t, consider free or low-cost online resources that can help you stay competitive.
Seek and use feedback
Regularly ask for feedback from your manager, peers, or mentors and put it into action. This shows maturity and commitment to growth—two attributes that stand out to employers. As you grow and improve due to this feedback, you’ll build a track record of going above and beyond expectations. Be sure to document these wins and growth opportunities, and be ready to share them when you’re up for review.
Build a strong personal brand
Your personal brand is how you show the world who you are and what you bring to the table. Start by clarifying your strengths, skills, and values, then turn that into a short narrative that tells your story, while also aligning with your company’s values. Make sure you update your resume, profiles, and conversations so they all reflect the same message. And remember, your brand should evolve as you do. Revisit it regularly so it stays current and reflects where you want your career to go next.
How to plan and set goals that keep you on track for long-term career growth
Career progression planning is about thinking several steps ahead. Even if you love your current role, it helps to set clear goals that keep you moving forward.
Set SMART career goals
SMART goals—specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound—help you stay on track. For larger goals like career progression, break them down into smaller milestones so you can track progress over time. For instance, if your goal is to become a team lead in two years, create a timeline for completing relevant training, taking on stretch assignments, and building relationships with decision-makers.
Consistently fill skill gaps
Strategic career planning is all about making yourself ready for new opportunities before they even appear. We’ve already talked about upskilling to show you’re ready to be promoted, but you’ll want to make it a habit to stay ready by regularly assessing which skills you’ll need for the next step in your career. Then, figure out how you can close those gaps by taking courses, finding a mentor, or seeking projects that allow you to practice new skills.
Grow your network
A strong professional network opens doors to new opportunities and offers support when you’re navigating challenges. Things like joining industry associations, attending meetups or conferences, and participating in online professional groups can help you build new connections—connections who may be able to help you learn about roles that aren’t posted publicly and get referrals from people you trust.
Stay current with industry trends
To make yourself a well-rounded employee with a long, prosperous career, you’ll want to read trade publications, follow thought leaders on LinkedIn, and stay aware of emerging trends and technologies in your field. This foresight makes you a valuable employee and positions you to lead conversations about innovation in your workplace.
Don’t overlook lateral moves
Sometimes the best way to move forward is to move sideways. Even though it may not be what you were looking for, a lateral move can give you new skills, broaden your perspective, and prepare you for a future leadership role. It can also help you discover new interests or strengths you didn’t know you had, as well as potential new career paths that may lead to a career transition.
Putting it all together
Career advancement strategies work best when they become regular habits. Remember to make time every quarter to review your goals, update your achievements, and adjust your plans. This regular reflection helps you stay on track and gives you a sense of progress.
If you’re currently job hunting or exploring new opportunities, Spherion has resources to help. Visit our Career Resources section for advice on everything from resume writing to interview prep. You can also check out open roles on our job board and find opportunities that match your career plan.
Your career, your move
Planning your career doesn’t have to be stressful. By taking a proactive approach, you’ll set yourself up for success and stay ahead in a competitive job market. Start by understanding how to get promoted at work, preparing yourself to be promotable, and making a long-term plan that keeps you moving forward. Whether your goal is climbing the corporate ladder, making a lateral move, or even changing industries, strategic career planning puts you in the driver’s seat.
