Promotion is Your Job

In school, no one ever told me that once I entered the workforce, I’d have to promote my work because just doing good work would not get me recognized. I now know this is the case. When we hear the word “manager” we think that implies someone who supports us. Unfortunately, it’s not always the case. Many managers are forced into their roles due to tenure and simply do not have the right skills. They may be a fantastic expert in a field but that often does not translate to a good manager. Therefore, it’s up to you to promote yourself.

Keep track of your accomplishments. Ask for a six-month review (even if it’s informal) and annual review to keep your manager informed of your achievements and career goals. If you don’t work directly with your manager on a daily basis, it may be a good idea to send a quick summary to him/her on a regular basis (weekly, bi-monthly or monthly). Do not focus on simple tasks – focus on results. If you are looking to move up in your role or be promoted, you need to focus on tangible, quantitative results.

Don’t assume your manager knows your career goals if you don’t have that discussion. Insist on doing it early in your tenure and outlining job expectations on paper even if a formal process does not exist. Keep in touch with regular updates on achievements. At six-months and one year, ensure that a review occurs.

How do you promote yourself at work?