6 Skills That Can Help you Get Promoted

It is a rare employee who does not want to decipher the secrets to success within his or her company and move up in the ranks until reaching a desired position and salary. You are probably not that rare employee, and you would probably like to better understand what your employer seeks from you so you can earn your employer's respect as well as a promotion.

While each company operates has its own philosophy, there are some fundamental skills that you can hone no matter where you work that will help you do the best in your job everyday that will appeal to your employer's goals and help you earn that promotion. Below are six of the many skills that can help you get promoted in your career.

Be Productive with an Eye to Quality.

This skill set is simple. Do your work and accomplish your daily goals as well as any long term project goals; all with an eye toward quality and doing the job to meet your employer's standards and expectations. Work diligently and spend a minimum amount of time succumbing to distractions such as extensive work time conversations with co-workers. Be committed to doing your work in a timely manner. This skill is the cornerstone of your office life and in moving forward and up the corporate ladder.

Promote Yourself and Your Skills.

Your boss needs to know who you are, so you cannot play the role of the wallflower. This skill is tricky since making others aware of your achievements can feel like boasting to you, and sometimes to others, if done incorrectly. Part of making yourself known to your employer is by performing your work tasks and doing them well, but sometimes that is not enough. Sometimes employers are so grateful that the work has been accomplished that they may overlook your work if you do not remind them. Be willing to speak up for yourself in a variety of ways and in different situations. For example, if you have an idea in a meeting that you feel would benefit your company, do not hesitate to speak up.

Adapt and Learn.

Be open to change in your office. By being willing to learn any new software that your office incorporates, your boss will appreciate your eagerness to help your company grow and change with new technological developments. If there is training for a new theoretical approach or a conference or seminar that speaks to your specialty, alert your boss that you want to be a part of any learning endeavor that will advance your company's goals and earnings.

Volunteer.

If there is an upcoming project that others are not falling over themselves to work on, take the plunge and ask your boss if you can tackle it. Volunteerism can extend to offering to work on the company newsletter in some capacity, taking on the role of your floor's safety warden, or you can help in your office's recycling efforts.

Collaborate

When you make an effort to work in conjunction with your colleagues, it makes a positive impression on your boss. Accept constructive feedback with grace from your employer and fellow employees, and also offer assistance to your colleagues when you feel they need it, which shows your employer that the company is your priority.

Communicate.

Let your boss know what your goals are within the company. You can discreetly ask your boss this during your performance review or during a scheduled meeting to respectfully make your career goals known.