Movin’ on up: how to get ahead at work

Whether you just started a new job and would like to move up the ladder quickly, or you have been at one place for a long time and would like to finally see some forward progress, there can be many situations where you might want to get ahead at work.

To some, trying to climb the corporate ladder can seem like a daunting and difficult task. That being said, it doesn’t have to be. There can be many simple ways to start improving your situation and getting noticed today. If you are looking for some ways to get ahead, here are a few things to try out. 

Be open to new opportunities 

Looking for work in your area will be beneficial to your growth. You should be doing Google searches based on your interests. For example, if you’re trying to build your writing and typing skills, try looking for “court reporters Seattle” in a search (or whatever city you live in). Even if you don’t initially think that it is something that you would succeed in, you could find your new passion through doing your research.

So often, there are many who overlook quality opportunities because they think the circumstances aren’t exactly right. The reality is, though, that these types of opportunities could be great for you in the long run, if only you were open to them.

By being open minded about what may be best for you, you can help ensure that you aren’t overlooking something that could be great for your future. 

Put in the extra effort

Something else that makes a big difference is the amount of effort that you are willing to put in. This can be especially important if you have been at a job for a while. It may be tempting to do the minimum if you have been somewhere a long time and haven’t been able to move up. However, this kind of thinking can contribute to keeping you stuck where you’re at.

By being willing to go the extra mile, you can show higher-ups that you care about your job and are willing to do what it takes to get things done right. Often, this is the type of mindset they are looking for when considering who to promote. 

Be reliable

Along with being willing to put in extra effort, it is also key that you show that you are reliable. Showing reliability is essential if you want those in charge to know that you can handle big responsibilities. By showing that you can handle your current responsibilities well, managers will be much more likely to want to give you larger responsibilities as a result. 

Talk about your goals

Having clear goals is important if you want to move up. If you are going to put in the work to get there, you need to know exactly what you want.

Beyond that, you not only need to know what you want, but you also need to talk about it openly. If you have goals but don’t discuss them with those that can help you make them happen, then you could be holding yourself back. The more that you can openly talk about what you want, the easier it will be to get the wheels in motion to make it happen. 

Stay out of office politics 

Another thing that helps when trying to move up at work is making sure that you stay out of office drama. While this may feel difficult to do at times, the truth is that the more that you can stay out of arguments and gossip, the better off you will be.

Not only will this give you a better reputation, but it will also show management that you are the type of person that doesn’t get involved in petty issues, and instead is more focused on their work. 

Some final thoughts

Whether you’re just starting out somewhere or you’ve been at a job for a long time and finally want to get a promotion, there can be many different circumstances where you might want to move up. Even though it may feel like an intimidating task, the good news is that with a little effort you can make positive changes to your career. 

Featured image courtesy of Unsplash