Submitted by editor on Sat, 06/07/2008 - 12:17pm.

In one of my previous jobs, I remember being really angry that I was passed up for a promotion that I knew was mine. It turns out that I went to Buenos Aires, Argentina for two weeks the day before they listed the position at work, and I came back a few days after the position was removed.

I was upset that they did not even consider me, but I made it my business to do my best at my job and be vigilant for the next opportunity for promotion so that I could get it, which I did. But I also realized that the reason I wasn’t considered for the promotion was because I wasn’t around, so no one noticed the hard work I was doing because I wasn’t there to promote myself.

Working hard at your job is only one necessary component to getting a promotion. You also need to be noticed by the individuals who can give you that coveted promotion. In my humble opinion, getting promoted is only partly hard work, and mostly positioning yourself so that your hard work and dedication will be noticed by your boss and other company movers and shakers.

Here are three things that you can do to position yourself so that your hard work will be noticed so that you can get a promotion:

• Be assertive. When in company meetings, don’t just sit back and enjoy the time away from your cubicle. Before you head to a meeting, take some time to find out the agenda and prepare a few questions or suggestions that relate to the topics to be discussed at the meeting. Show your enthusiasm and interest in the company by actively participating in office discussions and sharing your ideas when you have something valuable to add.


• Take the lead on challenging new projects. Look for opportunities to take the lead on new assignments, even if they appear to be risky or unpleasant, because they may be ideal opportunities to showcase your skills, abilities, and dedication. When no one is willing to take charge on a particular initiative, you can volunteer for the task and use the opportunity to demonstrate your leadership ability, which the boss may have overlooked up to this point.


• Network. Make sure that you take the time to attend to company gatherings like holiday parties or summer picnics. These are excellent opportunities to hobnob with decision makers in a variety of important positions within your company. But be sure and come prepared, because saying “hi” is not enough. Take time to really talk with these individuals and ask questions about what they do. Doing so will help you develop camaraderie with these individuals and to make valuable new contacts in different areas in the company.

Working hard will always be a key to getting promoted and continued career success, but you will never achieve your full potential unless you position yourself so that others will become aware of your expertise and accomplishments.

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