OK, so even through the pandemic, you’ve been working. You are doing anything and everything that you can do to help your employer remain profitable in these turbulent times. Your boss continually says that you are an invaluable asset to the team. However, when asking about career growth and promotion, your boss sidesteps that conversation every time. Now, of course, there could be many reasons for a company not giving you an upgrade in position at this time.  Some of them could be valid, such as a downturn in profits or uncertainty of success in your industry. If your job performance is exemplary, as you have been told, then it is natural to ask about your company’s career growth opportunities. Even in a business climate deeply impacted by the pandemic, not all companies are suffering downturns. If your company is thriving, but you still are not getting noticed, there are things that you can do to get positive exposure with your company superiors and move your career growth process along.

These tips can help you build career momentum:

• Share your career goals with your superiors.

The company is not waiting for opportunities to promote you. Organizations are looking to promote people who bring value to the team. Your worth is based on your ability to help your company maximize profits and reduce expenses.  When sharing your goals with your boss, discuss how you can bring added value to the team. Many people want a promotion for rewards, i.e., higher salaries, larger offices, etc. However, if you are dedicated to being a more significant contributor to the company’s success, you will find that your superiors will be more inclined to help you. It is in their best interest to do so.

• Be on time every day for work.

While most people understand that they should be on time, more than a few people start their daily commute under the real possibility of being late. You should know how long it takes to get to work. Plan accordingly. An occasional once-a-year tardiness issue will not dissuade your upline management from supporting your career aspirations. However, if you are chronically late with your only excuse, “traffic is bad,” they are not interested in promoting you. In fact, they have already fantasized about what life would be like if you did not work there at all! Show up a bit early, instead, and use this time to get to know your coworkers better and prepare for the day’s tasks. If you are on a virtual meeting platform, you have even less of an excuse. Show up on time to start your session. Click the join meeting button early if possible.  However, until we all get back to the office, pants may be optional!

• Be an enthusiastic team player.

People are more likely to move up faster in a company if their superiors can see that they work well as a team. People that help other people on their team reach their results are viewed favorably. When discussing that individual, the managers will often say, “If John/Mary can help their fellow workers in their current role, think of how many people they could help in a higher position.” Imagine the ‘optics’ of staying late to help someone working on a challenging project, not to mention building that relationship. Assisting the team to look good also allows you to look good too.

• Be a lifelong learner.

Many employers value education. There are situations where you might deserve a raise, but your current education level doesn’t assure the company that they should pay you more. While this view is being challenged these days due to many less formally educated professionals’ outstanding performance, it is still a widely held industry value. Continue your education with online learning and show your company that you are willing to be worth the raise. Online learning opportunities have exploded during this pandemic. A wise person will make use of previously unavailable resources. Obtaining professional certificates can also be an advantage depending on your discipline. Lastly, with all the information that is just few keystrokes away, make a personal pledge to know more about your field this year than you did last year.

• Have regular meetings with your boss to discuss your job performance.

The most critical part of charting your career path is knowing how your boss views your job performance. Your boss is probably the one who will share with their boss the news that you are ready for a promotion. Your boss will be a significant part of the decision to determine if you are promotion ready. Out of sight should not be out of mind. Whether you have Zoom, WebEx, Microsoft Teams, or string and tin can use whatever technology is available to stay connected to your boss.

Your meetings do not have to be arduous and tedious. You need to know what things you are doing that they appreciate and like. Make a list and continue to do those things. You also want to find out where your boss wants you to improve. This information is essential because you will have to ‘fix’ these things before you are considered for advancement. Try not to be too ‘thin-skinned’ when you learn about your deficiencies. We all have them. Take the information, put on your big boy/girl pants, and get better!

• Get a mentor.

No matter how brilliant you believe yourself to be, you need help. It is an oft-repeated misleading term that somebody is “climbing the corporate ladder.” Nobody CLIMBS the corporate ladder. YOU ARE PULLED UP! Find someone who has done what you want to do and ‘bribe’ them for information about their experience. Buy them coffee, donuts, lunch, and dinner for the time of a conversation. You need their expertise even if you think you have the answers. Many dreams have been shattered by reality when the young and talented first embark on their career journeys. Get a mentor and get some insight

Following these tips will help you move forward – not only in your career- but also in your bank account . They will increase your worth as an employee and make you an asset to any organization lucky enough to have you!

Eric Kelly is a professional career and lifestyle coach with over thirty years of experience in corporate America. He has established leadership development systems in the US, Europe, South America, Africa and the Middle East.