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Continually being passed up for promotion?

A common workplace issue that can cause dissatisfaction is that of promotions, particularly if you believe you are a prime candidate, but just keep being passed over year after year.

If this sounds familiar, you may find the following strategies of benefit, to position yourself in the running as a top candidate for when the next round of selection for promotions comes around.

§ If someone is taking credit for your work, then it would be beneficial to deal with this first. Don’t share your thoughts/work with this colleague anymore to prevent them from taking your idea and pitching it as their own. Rather, keep it to yourself and bring it forward at the staff meeting/to your boss when necessary. Don’t be hesitant but rather approach your boss if you have an idea and pitch it him/her to avoid the possibility of your colleague claiming all the glory.

§ Another strategy would be to start networking within the organisation to become known with key stakeholders and influential decision makers. To get noticed offer your services, expertise and support (even if on a voluntary basis) for special and/or significant assignments/projects. Forging solid relationships with these key members in the organisation, will support your name becoming known around the organisation as ‘a person who gets the job done’, and will allow you to continue from strength to strength, particularly if you have been influential in problem solving, gaining new clients, and expanding market share. Also try to develop a relationship with your boss, where you are able to stop by the office and have a chat about recent ‘project wins’. This ensures you remain in your boss’s mind and confirms your enthusiasm in ensuring the company grows from strength to strength.

§ If you have no idea why this is happening, approach your boss and ask for feedback as to the reason. Reiterate that you are extremely enthusiastic in receiving a promotion and are interested in gaining feedback so that you can begin to develop your knowledge and skills so that next time another promotion is offered, you would be considered as a front runner.

§ Feedback may uncover that you lack particular knowledge and experience in an important area, and perhaps through further professional development/training, you could develop your abilities in these areas.

§ By demonstrating to your boss your willingness and enthusiasm in developing and honing your skills, you could gain their support in undergoing this endeavour, as they are set to retain a motivated/knowledgeable asset, rather than have the potential for you leaving their organisation if you remain dissatisfied with your current role.

Here’s to your successful promotion!

Annemarie Cross © 2006

Annemarie Cross is a dual-certified/award winning Resume Writer, Career Coach and NLP Practitioner, and founder/principal of Advanced Employment Concepts, a career consultancy offering specialised solutions for people striving for success and fulfilment in their careers while maintaining work/life balance. Annemarie can be contacted at: www.annemariecross.com