No one wants to stay at the same career position forever, yet there's only so much room at the top. To get promoted, you need to be an excellent worker and stand out among your peers. However, you also need to understand your own strengths and look for outside opportunities to improve your skills. Here are a few tips to get ahead in the workplace:
1. Use the SWOT method
A SWOT analysis reviews your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. It's a great tool for understanding where you are in relation to your career goals. As Monster.com pointed out, the SWOT method forces you to consider external factors that affect your career - for example, where you live or what you studied in school. It also forces you to think outside the box for possible advancements. Jotting answers for all four categories on one sheet of paper helps you pinpoint exactly what you need to do to advance your career.
2. Learn from every job
Every place you've ever worked, even the most menial position, has taught you some invaluable lesson. You might have developed your people skills, learned to take criticism or simply become a better multitasker. Approach every assignment, no matter how small, as an opportunity to work on talents that can be very beneficial down the line.
3. Volunteer
Helping others makes you feel good about yourself, brightening your attitude in all areas of your life. In addition, volunteering helps you develop a number of useful business skills, such as leadership and public speaking. Adding to your resume - or your LinkedIn profile - shows you're willing to take initiative for a cause.
Volunteering is a great way to show initiative and leadership.
4. Adapt to change
Businesses don't stay the same way forever. If you adapt easily and stay productive during turbulent or challenging times, you position yourself as a team player and someone your boss can rely on. He or she will definitely remember your name when looking to fill a senior position.
5. Pay attention
Look at people when they speak and try not to interrupt. This puts you ahead of the colleagues dozing, doodling and missing crucial information. Plus, nothing flatters a speaker more than knowing you're focused on their words.
6. Listen to feedback
It's hard to accept criticism, but doing so is a necessary part of getting closer to achieving your goals. Remember that people who aren't willing to listen to suggestions certainly don't impress their bosses. Listen to what your managers say during performance reviews, then immediately try to improve.