Want a Promotion? Look it!
By Kathryn P
Tired of making minimum
wage? Instead of looking for a new job, see if your current position has room for growth. Here are some tips to help you to
convince your boss that you deserve a raise:
- Look the part! Exactly what you should wear will depend on your
position, but you should always look neat and clean. If you have to wear a uniform, make sure that it is always freshly washed
and not stained or wrinkled. If your position does not require you to wear a uniform, be sure that your clothing is respectful,
appropriate and not too revealing. Your mini-skirt might be fine for a night out, but it probably is not right for your weekend
babysitting job.
- Pay attention to your overall impression. Your accessories have a big impact on how you are perceived.
While blue eye shadow and dangly earrings might be appropriate if you work at a trendy coffee shop, most employers frown on
them. You can wear makeup, but it should be minimal and professional. Earrings should be small and unobtrusive.
- Be
on time! You won't seem professional if you're always rushing to your job at the last minute. Try to always be on
time, or even a few minutes early. If you have to be late, let your boss know as soon as possible so that he or she doesn't
think you're just lazy.
- When you're at work, work! Your boss can tell if you spend your whole work day on
the phone or chatting online with your friends. Save these conversations for leisure hours, and while you're on the job,
concentrate on the tasks at hand.
- Be polite! If you work with the public, be sure to smile and greet each person
when he or she walks in the door, and thank the customer when he or she makes a purchase. Be extra polite to your boss. When
he or she gives you something to do, say "I'd be happy to" and don't complain about the task you've
been given.
- Take initiative! If work is slow, don't just sit there. Try to find something helpful to do. Ask
your boss if he or she can give you a project to work on, or look around for yourself to see what needs doing. For example,
if you work at a café, tidy up the counter when business is slow. If you're a babysitter, clean up your employer's
kitchen while the kids are in front of the TV. Your employer will appreciate your extra effort!
- Be appropriate! You
won't win points by asking your boss for a promotion when he or she is in the middle of an important phone call. Wait
until a quiet moment, and ask him or her if you can set up a time to talk about the possibility of a promotion. Then, be prepared
with a list of your accomplishments and justifications for why you deserve the raise
- Remember to say "thank you"
when your boss agrees to your request for a promotion!
