After some tips on moving up the corporate ladder?
Taking that next step in your career is something most of us have considered at some point or another. For some, they actively work towards it and for others (my hand is sticking up here), the focus is more on the present and doing their current job to the highest possible standard. Either way, you should be aware of what managers are looking for when that time comes.
Hayley Cole from Stellar joins me to talk about her career progression (Account Executive to agency owner!) plus we discuss what you can do to prepare yourself for a promotion.
WHAT ARE MANAGERS LOOKING FOR WHEN THEY'RE ASSESSING PR STAFF FOR PROMOTION?
Many of these will be relevant for any career or industry but some are particularly important within PR. This isn't a definitive list but it's a good foundation:
Are you executing all aspects of your current job to the highest possible standard?
Have you started taking on tasks/responsibilities from the position above you?
Do you have attention to detail? This extends across communication, copywriting, project management etc.
Do you manage your time well? Can you prioritise, shuffle tasks around when needed, meet deadlines....
Do you have initiative? Are you proactive in evaluating potential issues or problem solving? Do you think one step ahead of your manager or client?
Do you have effective working relationships? Do you get on well with the team/media/clients/other departments? Are you well respected?
“Try not compare yourself to your peers. Focus on your job, how you're executing it and ensure you do it to a high standard”
Listen to the full episode on The PR Pod podcast for more tips and insight on getting promoted. You'll also find this episode on your fave podcast players, just search "The PR Pod".
HOW LONG SHOULD YOU BE IN A ROLE BEFORE YOU'RE PROMOTED?
Honestly? It means diddly squat if you've been in a position for eight months or four years. If you're executing your job to a high standard and meeting all the elements of the job description, then you will be in a position to be considered for promotion. Well, you are in my books. There may be other organisational factors that have to be considered such as whether your company has the budget or the space to be able to promote you. But, in theory, if you do your job well then you're in the perfect place to be promoted. And if you can nail everything in eight months, then so be it. If you feel you are doing everything you should be and you're being overlooked or dismissed for a promotion, then perhaps it's time to venture out and find another business that gives you the space to grow.
HOW TO PUT YOURSELF IN THE BEST POSITION TO BE PROMOTED
Review your job description. Be familiar with what is expected of you. If it's not part of an existing review process with your manager, give yourself a rating out of 5 for each of the elements on that description and get them to do the same. You might find you're not doing something as well as you thought you were and it gives you an opportunity to find out why and improve. Don't have a job description? Create one and get your manager to review and approve.
Review the job description of the position you'd like to have. Are there elements on there you're already doing? Great, it proves you are able to tackle those tasks. Look at doing them even more effectively, or efficiently. If you're not doing any of them yet, put together a plan to start doing so.
ATTRIBUTES MANAGERS LOVE IN PR EMPLOYEES
Every job and position will have different requirements but here's some that we think are important in PR:
Diligent and conscientious. You produce your work to a high standard and things don't fall through the gaps
Resilient. Can you pick yourself up from a knock-back? Be agile, take on feedback, apply it and move forward
Good communication skills. Verbal and non-verbal
Initiative. Think one step ahead of your managers, client and media. Determine what they are likely to ask of you or want from you and be prepared with an answer/strategy
Don't be afraid to fail. But show you've learned from it
Curious. Ask questions. It's better to have too much info and disregard some, than not enough. You never want to assume anything. Ever
Level headed. Be able to cope with stressful or demanding situations. Can you keep a clear head and not get overwhelmed? Hint - one of the most common reasons for stress is not being able to manage your work flow properly. Need some tips? Check out the Managing Your Time episode
OTHER HELPFUL STUFF TO KNOW
If you thrive on more feedback, don't be afraid to ask for it
If there's an element of your job description that feels overwhelming to conquer, break it down into small tasks and focus on conquering one thing at a time
Look for a mentor, someone you respect. It may not be someone in the job above you, it may be someone in a different department that has an admirable work ethic or professional conduct. And don't think about just having one. You may have different mentors that can help you grow in different ways
If you missed the episode on time management, head back and listen. Here's a link to make that speedy for you.