I’m a little frustrated. Last week I had three different people share that after responding to on-line job postings, they finally realize that doesn’t work. I feel like a broken record when I say that the vast majority of jobs get filled in-house or by someone already familiar to the organization. But instead of dwelling, that thought brought me to this: if the vast majority of jobs get filled in-house, what are you doing to strategize a promotion for yourself?
Many of you know my favorite go to, Expect to Win by Carla Harris. Some things to consider are:
- What opportunity are you interested in? Are you actively thinking about what you could do for your organization, or are you waiting for what’s offered?
- Do you regularly remind people what you are good at and what you have been working on/accomplished?
- Do you know what management wants to see you demonstrate to get to the next level? Have they committed to moving you ahead if you demonstrate that? By when?
- If the organization has given you feedback about what they would like to see change in your performance to promote you, what is your plan to achieve that?
- Have you had this conversation with your boss? Recently? And regularly? (Too often I hear, “We had that conversation a year ago and nothing’s happened”)
If getting promoted where you are feels daunting, consider that a new job requires an (often long) job search, a learning curve in a new job and the risk of not connecting at a new organization. If there are truly no opportunities where you are, it makes sense. But if you imagine that it’s easier to leave, maybe take a moment to see if you can build a strategy where you are.
A little tough talk this week, but always with you in mind.