KEY POINTS:
Young but competent beyond her years - that's how Rikki saw herself.
At 20 she'd already put in three years at the fashion retail store and for the past seven weeks she'd been filling in for an absent manager. Surely, that was evidence she had what it took
to run her own store.
Rikki thought so, asked her boss for a more senior role and got a manager's position. But celebration and champagne did not follow her success.
The job offered was on the other side of Auckland from her home - an expensive commute - and the extra pay for the step up from assistant to manager was just 50 cents an hour. If this was promotion it was decidedly unattractive.
Looking back after several years and a change of career Rikki wonders whether the more senior job, which she turned down, was offered seriously.
"Maybe they just wanted to look like they were giving me something...they probably knew I wouldn't take it," she said.
When it comes to applying for a promotion it can often end up that our perception of being ready and able isn't matched by the employer. Sometimes it is just a difference of perception, while at other times you may not be ready for the extra responsibility.
So how can you assess when you are ready for and deserve promotion?
A canvas of advice on the subject drew the following seven-point check list:
1. Are you really up to it?
Before convincing your boss you have to convince yourself. Do you have under-used skills, particularly people management skills? Be honest with yourself - don't just rely on your own judgment. Talk to people you trust about your suitability for a more senior job and take on board what they say.
2. What is your track record?
What real achievements in your present job can you use to illustrate your ability to go over and above the call of duty? Have you tangible achievements such as awards, certificates and written commendations? What opportunities have you taken to learn new skills? When have you successfully stood in for a superior? A collection of solid evidence is invaluable when seeking promotion.
3. What are your career goals?
Setting goals is essential to getting ahead. Planning them allows you to think ahead and see what path you need to take to accomplish them. A time frame to accomplish certain goals is a great motivator.
Share your career goals with the boss, find out what it takes to achieve the promotion you are looking for and work at acquiring those skills. Getting the boss's support can help you achieve your goals. Encourage them to give you extra projects or tasks that will help you work towards them.
4. How hard are you working?
Hard work is one path to promotion. Consider taking on extra projects that no one wants. Take an active leadership role that lets you shine and shows your superiors that you can deal with extra responsibility.
Learn about the company and industry you work in so that you can contribute more to your work environment. You'll not only gain valuable experience by learning new things, but you'll have the opportunity to get your hard work noticed.
5. Are you networked?
Do you seek opportunities to make a good impression on your superiors? By staying in touch with those in your work environment, you'll gain valuable access to information about upcoming promotions, trends in your industry, and growth within the company. By networking, you'll also find out who has the power to make promotion decisions.
6. Have you asked for a promotion?
If you don't ask, you don't get. Find out the company's policy on promotion. They may come as a result of internal reviews, so before your review make sure you are prepared by documenting all the achievements, improvements, and extra work you've done.
7. What's holding you back?
You think you are a strong candidate for promotion, have applied for posts but been knocked back. You need to take stock and plan your next move. Is your present employer giving you a fair chance to improve yourself?
Maybe you need to take time out to get more qualifications, especially if you want to move into a managerial role.
Whatever you do, don't do nothing. You don't want to look back on your career and decide you could have done so much better if you'd only made a bit more effort.