Have you been stagnating at work for months -- or even years? You're not alone. According to Randstad's 2009 World of Work survey, 83 percent of workers said they feel fortunate just to have a job. And more than half fear for their economic well-being. Survival is the primary goal. Climbing up the ladder? A low priority these days.
"Many people are forgetting about exploring new opportunities within their organization because of this challenging environment," says Eileen Habelow, Randstad's senior vice president of organizational development.
But it doesn't have to be this way. With the right tools, you can get ahead and strive for greater career satisfaction, even in the current climate. Here are some insider tips for career advancement:
Have a plan. "The people who get the best jobs have been planning their strategy for one year or more," says Jay Jessup, author of the personal branding book, Fame 101. He cites Oprah Winfrey as a perfect example: "She planned her success every step of the way, and is still thinking ahead five years," he says.
Ask for what you want. "If you want a promotion, you need to clearly ask for it. If you don't ask, you won't get it," says Laura Browne, author of Why Can't You Communicate Like Me? How Smart Women Get Results at Work. "No one is just going to hand you a promotion." Likewise, if you're looking for a raise, you need to do your research: Use a free salary calculator to find out your real market value and then ask for it.
Develop yourself into the next job. Long before you even ask for a promotion, observe the kind of job you want, figure out what it takes to do it well, and work toward that, advises Sandra Naiman, author ofThe High Achiever's Secret Codebook: The Unwritten Rules for Success at Work. "When appropriate, take on the tasks of the job you're aiming for. But be careful not to step on any professional toes," she says.
out your inner Tigger. "The woods are full of Eeyores," says Dan Bowling, former senior vice-president of human resources at Coca-Cola Enterprises. "Bosses don't want these negative types. They want Tiggers – the energetic, can-do people who tackle the problem with a smile. Those are the ones who get ahead."
Toss the tech. Telecommuting is not a good idea when you're hoping for a promotion. Neither is communicating mostly by email with bosses and coworkers. "It's all about 'face time,' " says John McKee, CEO of BusinessSuccessCoach.net. "Communicating in person, whenever possible, is imperative forsuccess seekers."
Remember the bottom line. "In any organization, the people who make the money are the ones who stay employed," says career coach Joan Schramm. "Document your efforts toward this goal and your rate of success, and make sure your boss is aware of them."
Replace yourself. "Being 'irreplaceable' can hold you back," says HR professional Jodi R. R. Smith, who teaches a seminar called Promote Yourself. "There are times when managers do not promote great employees due to the time, hassle, and stress of having to train a replacement. If you can, train a potential replacement so this won't be an issue."
Pay attention to window dressing. " Dress for the job you want, not the job you have," advises image consultant Heather Alan, of Trel Style Consulting. "And remember that dark colors are perceived as more authoritative. Even those looking for promotions in the creative field should strive to wear deeper colors."
Make your boss look good. "Find out what your boss's boss expects of him, and do what you can to help your boss shine," advises David Wright, author of Get a Job! Your Guide to Making Successful Career Moves. "If you help your boss look good to his boss, you look good to your boss."
"Many people are forgetting about exploring new opportunities within their organization because of this challenging environment," says Eileen Habelow, Randstad's senior vice president of organizational development.
But it doesn't have to be this way. With the right tools, you can get ahead and strive for greater career satisfaction, even in the current climate. Here are some insider tips for career advancement:
Have a plan. "The people who get the best jobs have been planning their strategy for one year or more," says Jay Jessup, author of the personal branding book, Fame 101. He cites Oprah Winfrey as a perfect example: "She planned her success every step of the way, and is still thinking ahead five years," he says.
Ask for what you want. "If you want a promotion, you need to clearly ask for it. If you don't ask, you won't get it," says Laura Browne, author of Why Can't You Communicate Like Me? How Smart Women Get Results at Work. "No one is just going to hand you a promotion." Likewise, if you're looking for a raise, you need to do your research: Use a free salary calculator to find out your real market value and then ask for it.
Develop yourself into the next job. Long before you even ask for a promotion, observe the kind of job you want, figure out what it takes to do it well, and work toward that, advises Sandra Naiman, author ofThe High Achiever's Secret Codebook: The Unwritten Rules for Success at Work. "When appropriate, take on the tasks of the job you're aiming for. But be careful not to step on any professional toes," she says.
out your inner Tigger. "The woods are full of Eeyores," says Dan Bowling, former senior vice-president of human resources at Coca-Cola Enterprises. "Bosses don't want these negative types. They want Tiggers – the energetic, can-do people who tackle the problem with a smile. Those are the ones who get ahead."
Toss the tech. Telecommuting is not a good idea when you're hoping for a promotion. Neither is communicating mostly by email with bosses and coworkers. "It's all about 'face time,' " says John McKee, CEO of BusinessSuccessCoach.net. "Communicating in person, whenever possible, is imperative forsuccess seekers."
Remember the bottom line. "In any organization, the people who make the money are the ones who stay employed," says career coach Joan Schramm. "Document your efforts toward this goal and your rate of success, and make sure your boss is aware of them."
Replace yourself. "Being 'irreplaceable' can hold you back," says HR professional Jodi R. R. Smith, who teaches a seminar called Promote Yourself. "There are times when managers do not promote great employees due to the time, hassle, and stress of having to train a replacement. If you can, train a potential replacement so this won't be an issue."
Pay attention to window dressing. " Dress for the job you want, not the job you have," advises image consultant Heather Alan, of Trel Style Consulting. "And remember that dark colors are perceived as more authoritative. Even those looking for promotions in the creative field should strive to wear deeper colors."
Make your boss look good. "Find out what your boss's boss expects of him, and do what you can to help your boss shine," advises David Wright, author of Get a Job! Your Guide to Making Successful Career Moves. "If you help your boss look good to his boss, you look good to your boss."
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