January 24, 2024
By Gabrielle Christman
How to Land a Promotion in 2024
How to Land a Promotion in 2024
The new year is a time for self-reflection, growth, and goal setting. Establishing goals for yourself in both your personal and professional life can set you up for success later in the year. One area that you may be setting a goal for in your professional life is to achieve a promotion. Here are a few tips on how you can land a promotion in 2024.
Why Promotions Can Happen in the New Year
In most cases, companies’ financial budgets reset for the year in the beginning of January. This is why it seems that most promotions come in the beginning of the year. However, not all companies start their calendar year budget in January. Some companies reset their budgets in June or July, which can lead to promotions then as well. Additionally, as colleagues move around, businesses evolve, and company priorities change, opportunities for advancement can arise at any point during the year. No matter the case, it is important to set yourself up for success when aiming to land a promotion in the new year.
Promotions in 2024
As the year kicks off, it is important to understand employers’ current priorities when creating professional goals. According to recent reports, employers plan on promoting about 9.3% of their workforce in 2024. This is less than the actual results from 2023, where employers promoted 10.3% of their workforce, meaning that you may have to work harder this year to achieve a promotion. Employers are looking for dedicated employees to promote into new positions who are willing to work hard for the organization. Here are some tips on how to land a promotion in 2024.
#1 Self-Reflect and Set Goals
When aiming to land a promotion in the new year, it is important to take the time self-reflect. You’ve likely already had your end-of-year review and talked with your managers about your performance from the previous year. Start by reflecting on your current role, the accomplishments you’ve had, and areas that may need improvement. From there, plan for how you want to develop your skillset for your desired position. Set clear and realistic goals for your career growth and align them with the responsibilities of your current position and the expectations of the role you are aiming to be promoted to. Make sure to track your progress throughout the year so you can come prepared for a promotion conversation with your accomplishments.
#2 Ask for Feedback and Implement It
A crucial step to landing a promotion is to ask your manager for feedback on your performance throughout the year. Not all managers communicate the same, so be sure to gather as much feedback as you can as often as you can. By better understanding what your supervisor or manager is looking for in someone to promote, you can implement those characteristics and skills into your current role. Remember to be open to all types of feedback, as you may hear some constructive criticism. Make sure you don’t come across as defensive in this case, and work on areas of improvement identified by your manager. Consider asking them or a mentor inside or outside of your organization for support to develop these skills. Don’t forget to remain consistent in the areas where you excel as well and be sure to demonstrate your willingness to learn to your supervisor by keeping them updated on your progress.
#3 Take on More Responsibility
Another way to show management that you are ready for a promotion is to take on more responsibility in your current role. Whenever an opportunity comes up, volunteer and show your supervisor that you can take the lead on projects. If you get the opportunity, go above and beyond with every project you are assigned and build on the qualities of leaders in your organization. Take this time to also make your boss’ job easier. You likely know what your manager or supervisor worries about the most. Use this time to take some concerns off their lists. This shows them that not only are you dependable, but also that you’re willing to help wherever you can. When you proactively take on new projects, you will also subsequently build on your skills and experience, making you a more qualified employee.
#4 Demonstrate Your Leadership
Leadership, at its core, is about influencing others towards achieving a common goal. It requires strong character, vision, skill, and the ability to make tough decisions. Being able to demonstrate leadership is a key part in earning a promotion. No boss wants to promote an employee who doesn’t demonstrate good leadership qualities. Strive to be an effective leader who can adapt to different situations. Be sure to go the extra mile, and step into leadership roles when opportunities arise. Opportunities could include leading a project, picking up extra work from a coworker, completing work in a timely manner, and even showing up on time. By demonstrating your ability to be a leader amongst peers, it will allow your manager to envision you as a leader within the organization.
#5 Talk to Your Boss
When seeking a promotion, it is always a good idea to have a conversation with your manager or supervisor about your interest in getting a promotion. You shouldn’t assume that your boss knows your goals to advance within the organization. Take the time to tell your manager exactly what you’re looking for in terms of career development and advancement. Discuss potential career paths and the steps to get to your goal position. Consider asking about opportunities in other departments or on other teams, if you are comfortable. When the time is right, lay out all the accomplishments and achievements you have been able to do in your current role. The easier you make it for your manager to understand the value you bring to the organization and the potential impact you could have in a new role, the better.
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