I am a big proponent of “driving your own career bus.” I believe that each individual maintains responsibility for his or her career path. Sometimes, driving your own career bus means identifying red flags at work that indicate a potential lay-off, sometimes it means finding a new job because you really hate the current position or because there are no growth opportunities. However, sometimes, driving your own career bus means purposefully seeking a promotion at your current job.
Some may ask, “Can I really work on getting a promotion? Isn’t it more about waiting for the good news from my boss?” If that is your approach, RUN, don’t walk to get a copy of 30-Day Job Promotion by Susan Britton Whitcomb. So much about your career is in your hands, and you need to have good information and advice to empower yourself to drive to the next stop in your career plan!
Susan takes the reader, step-by-step through a series of tasks and considerations. First stop? Figure out what the promotion will really do for you? Are you sure that is the job you want? The fact is, while you may have a more prestigious title and earn more money, it is important to consider how a promotion will impact your life and day-to-day happiness.
There are many important factors when considering seeking a promotion. A few covered in the book: timing and your promotability. With detailed charts, checklists and explanations, the author helps the reader uncover key issues and outline a game plan.
Susan reminds readers that being promoted is “all about value” (p. 132). You need to know it AND you must be able to communicate it well if you expect a positive result. Suggestions of what to research, sample scripts and success stories round out this useful book for anyone thinking about taking the next step in his or her career.
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If you’re thinking a new job is a better idea than a promotion, you may need some help getting your job search jump started! Not sure you can put all of the great tools at your disposal to good use? Need a great resume? Learn how I can help you propel your job hunt forward.
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Sounds like a great book…I’d love to add to my library!
Love your blog, Miriam. It fills me with great information about my field of interest. You are super!
Okay, Paige…You win! Just kidding! Thanks for your kind note. I’m so glad to know that you read my blog. It means a lot to me to have other career professionals as part of our community!
Hi Miriam:
I’ve been on both ends of this; jobs where I was promoted every six months, and jobs where, at review time, I have to go to bat for myself to bring to light the success I have achieved on the last year. I have been lucky to have an upward trajectory in my career path, but with times getting tougher, it would be interesting to know the best way to go about it.
I enjoy your posts on Twitter and find you, and all the other ATL ladies, not only inspiring but a lot of fun. I hope to be out that way sometime and meet you all!
Best to you,
Theresa
Theresa – Thanks for your comment! It is important to know how to go to bat for yourself, and it is likely to be the norm going forward. Absolutely let me know if you’re ever in Atlanta! I love meeting friends from Twitter!
Great review, Miriam! Wow we are certainly on the same page about personal responsibility in careers! Also, like you, Susan is a clear expert in the career field. She brings considerable perspective as well as sound, practical advice. I concur: run, don’t walk to get this book if you’re serious about promotion!
Walter – thanks! I was glad to be able to review one of Susan’s books, as she is such a clear leader in the field. Glad that you also agree regarding personal responsibility. Hope to see you soon!
Hi Miriam – Thanks for promoting Susan’s book! I have already gone to Amazon to order it and I can’t wait to read it! She even has an Act As If Chapter! Have a great week and always Act As If It Were Impossible to Fail! -Joe
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