12 Expert Tips To Position Yourself To Move Up The Corporate Ladder Quickly

These days, efforts to move up the corporate ladder quickly aren’t often done in a straight line. Career planning for corporate advancement has become more complex. Gone are the days of retiring from one firm, having worked your way up and paid your dues. Today’s workplace is more fluid and flexible – and it can be challenging for this reason. So what’s the best, quickest way to move up the corporate ladder and forward in your career? Here are some tips to help you get to the next rung ASAP:

1) Have a goal in mind.

Create a personal development plan and follow a clear roadmap.

Imagine being at the top of your career field, then start career planning with that goal in mind. Work out milestones needed to get from here to there. Chip the milestones into the individual steps needed to reach each one. Adjust as needed.

Career Planning Up The Corporate Ladder2) Focus on education.

Get the best training as early as possible. This makes you more promotable and more confident in your decision-making. This allows you to act decisively and with authority, no matter the level of your job.

3) Participate in the social network.

Not just online social media networking! (Although social media networking is essential to expand your network and stay plugged into current trends in your field.) Get involved in the social whirl around your profession/career goal. Join professional organizations, mentor, and be mentored. Build and cultivate relationships. Network.

4) Work harder and smarter.

Exceed expectations by volunteering for higher-impact tasks and become known as the problem-solver. Tackle something that’s crucial but no one wants to take on.  Then just get it done.

5) Stay positive.

A can-do attitude will take you far. Be calm and friendly no matter the task or complication. Everyone admires a capable, cool head.

6) Become an SME.

When you’re the subject matter expert, you’re by definition a go-to person. Strive to become known for your expertise inside and outside your current company.

7) Build your personal brand.

Take proactive control of your personal brand. Blog on industry-related topics. Guest blog, answer questions, and comment on well-known or up-and-coming industry forums. As your expertise, recognition, and network grow, you may be invited to lead a seminar at an industry conference. Next…your book! (If that’s part of your road map.)

8) Understand the big picture.

Focus your efforts and career planning in line with the company and management’s goals. Make your boss’ goals a priority and s/he will want you on the team. Become involved with higher-impact projects. Keep your finger on the pulse of your company so you don’t waste time on projects being sidelined.

9) Catalog successes.

Keep track of accomplishments in concrete terms. How much did you save the company on that last deal? What percentage of business have you brought in? How much time have you saved by streamlining processes? Use the list at review times or when going for a raise. The bigger accomplishments make great lines for your resume.

10) Work well with others.

Bosses want to promote those who they can trust to work with anyone, with any type of personality, any type of team, and to get things done.

11) Engage the CEO.

Interact with C-level execs when you can. Something as simple as commenting positively on a recent company speech or announcement. Start small. You’ll pique their interest and the more who know your name, the better. As long as it’s not for denting their car in the parking lot.

12) Be fearless.

Switch companies if you’re frozen in place at your organization. Get some intel on other companies with online research and through your trusted contacts. Find out where those in your position or expertise area are most valued. Switch jobs when necessary to acquire a new skill and round out your experience.

12 Expert Tips To Position Yourself To Move Up The Corporate Ladder Quickly
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About the Author: Michelle Dumas

Michelle Dumas is the founder and CEO of Distinctive Career Services, one of the internet's longest-standing and most respected professional resume writing firms. Michelle is a 6X certified and 7X award-winning resume writer and career consultant. To learn more about the services offered by Distinctive Career Services visit https://www.distinctiveweb.com

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