How to Land a Promotion

In the past 38 years of my working experience, I strongly believe that communication, cooperation and teamwork play a vital role in getting your higher-ups recognize your achievements. If you do not open the barrier between you and your employer, there is no way that your achievements can be heard.

Always update your higher ups by letting them know what is going on in your specific department. Strive hard to accomplish your tasks efficiently. I have learned this when I was then the Associate Director of Environmental Services in a 280-bed nursing facility in New York for 12 years. I still believe in the saying that "No good deeds are left unrewarded" or “No stones are left unturned”.

In this time of recession, do not expect too much from your employer. Do not ask “what your employer can do for you? Instead, ask yourself “what can I do for my employer”. Employers look only good if their employees deliver quality services and produce the best results. It is always a good feeling if you get a "tap on the shoulder".

If you are dealing with customers, be polite, respectful and responsible enough when performing your job. After all, it is your customers who provide you the job, although in an indirect manner. Productivity counts when the time comes. You don't have to look for it. It will just come to you even without bragging.

Another factor that will add a "feather in your cap" is to be innovative and creative. Try to solve the problem yourself before seeking help from your employer or from your co-workers. Not all problems are difficult to solve. All you need to do is to spend ample time in looking for the best solutions. Your supervisor doesn’t want to hear another problem. Should you come up with a question or concern, you can guaranty that your Supervisor will give you the best answer. I am not saying that you have to “suck on him or her”, but you are just doing your job to the best of your ability. After all, that is expected from you when you were accepted and hired for that particular job.

Some companies give their employees some kind of reward in recognizing their time and effort towards doing an "exemplary job". This may come in the form of either plaque or certificate of appreciation. This will not only allow you to ask for a raise that you’ve longing for, but it also count when your supervisor conducts his/her annual evaluation of your job performance. Your job performance is the basis of every supervisor in determining whether you have contributed to the achievement of your department's goal or not.

Jaime Agpalo, BSME of NY 12:03PM May 18, 2011