Are you taking the next step forward in your career in 2024? If getting a promotion is one of your many New Year’s resolutions, here are some tips to help you reach your goal.
On today’s episode of The Briefing, we are joined by Sue Williamson, Associate Professor of Human Resource Management at UNSW Canberra, providing key considerations and strategies for those aspiring to climb the professional ladder.
Click the link below and listen the full episode:
The landscape of work has shifted dramatically since the pandemic. Employees are reassessing their priorities, with a growing emphasis on work-life balance and flexible working arrangements.
Ms Williamson described the promotion as a double-edged sword, and she encouraged individuals to carefully weigh the potential for increased stress and longer hours against the desire for career advancement.
She suggested viewing a promotion as a long-term goal. To position oneself for advancement, individuals should already operate at the desired level within their current role.
To get a promotion you need to be able to go into that job interview and say I’m already working at this level, so let’s just formalise it. Give me the promotion, give me more pay, more responsibility,”
Ms Williamson said.
She suggested a proactive approach, such as providing solutions to problems and being innovative, would enhance candidacy.
Promotion opportunities vary based on organisational culture. Some companies foster internal talent and prefer promoting from within, while others seek fresh perspectives externally.
So going for promotion is not about what you want, so your manager or prospective employer will want to hear what you’ve got to offer, not what you think you should get,”
she said.
For individuals facing barriers such as gender bias or belonging to marginalised communities, Ms Williamson suggested a strength-based approach.
Highlighting diverse skills and life experiences can make candidates stand out, showing prospective employers the unique value they bring to the workplace.
Don’t wait until you’re 100% ready. Go for it earlier than that, but at the same time, don’t go for promotion when you don’t meet most of the criteria.”
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