Most people dread having to ask for a raise or a promotion. It can be both awkward and uncomfortable to advocate for yourself, which is why the majority of employees avoid asking for months (and sometimes years), even when they believe they deserve a promotion.

But what if there was something you could do to increase your chances of getting a promotion without having to ask?

Luckily, there is.

Go above and beyond.

Employers expect their employees to get their jobs done well. That goes without saying. But it’s the employees who consistently look for ways to exceed expectations that get promoted. Take some time to consider how you might add additional value to your workplace. Maybe you have an idea on how to improve an existing company system or protocol. Or perhaps you have skills or knowledge that you can share with a co-worker to help them perform their job better, making you into a mentor/leader in your organization. When you do more than the bare minimum of what’s required of you, your supervisor is sure to take notice.

Be a lifelong learner.

The most valuable employees are those who are constantly looking for opportunities to learn. Rather than just looking for a bigger salary, or a more prestigious position, stay interested in how to do your job better. Learn everything you can about your role. Learn more about your co-workers’ roles, and about the organization at large. If you exhibit this type of behaviour (i.e. demonstrating that you’re always thirsty for new knowledge and new challenges), when a promotion is on the table, your supervisor will think of you first.

Master the art of collaboration.

There’s a lot more to excelling in the workplace than simply performing your own job well. You need to be a person who works well with others. Find ways to collaborate with your co-workers whenever you can. Encourage the people around you and keep a positive attitude. These soft skills are the things we tend to forget when we get focused on our individual jobs. But being a master collaborator and a great team player can go a long way. After all, pretty much every company is a team environment. Someone who routinely shows they can work well with others is someone who has earned a promotion.

Looking for a job in the GTA or Southwestern Ontario? We have offices in Toronto, Newmarket, Milton, and St. Thomas. Contact the professional recruiters at HCR today.