How to Find the Hidden Paths of Career Advancement

Idea

Have you ever found yourself passed over for a promotion that you knew you were qualified for? Maybe someone else that you didn’t think was as qualified as you landed the role?

The paths to promotion are often hidden. You want to make sure that you always have an idea of what your next step is, and what you want. And most importantly, you want to let your internal management know that you’re interested and that you’re always seeking growth, and well before the opportunity is posted.

Don’t assume that the decision-makers know in your company what you want. Don’t assume that people know how you’re qualified for the next step. You need to make it known in a proactive and ongoing manner and not just at performance review or promotion time.

Action

If you’ve had your performance review already:

• Set up a separate meeting with your manager.
• Make sure you have an idea of what you want next in your career in your organization.
• Ask your manager where they envision you going forward in the organization.
• Probe about your manager’s biggest problems. What are the biggest goals that they’re trying to accomplish? Even personally, and how can you support that?

If you haven’t had your performance review, prepare these types of probing questions to ask at the end of your review:

• Where does your boss envision you in the future?
• What steps do you need to take to get there?
• What shortcomings do you have that you need to fill in order to be perfectly qualified for that promotion?

Let your manager tell you what you need to do next to get promoted. If they really don’t have an answer for you of where they envision you in your next role, you might need to consider looking for promotion outside of your organization. But it’s best to start internally. Your organization should know you best because you’re educating them on how you’re qualified and what you want so they can move your career forward.