How can I move up in my department?

Question

There are two new positions in my department, a senior staff and a manager position. How can I show to my department director my interest in moving up, or what should I do to improve my vertical mobility. I'm still pretty new (2 months), but I have leadership skill and experience, and I'm knowledgeable in my field. I've made a couple of mistakes from being new to a large company, but -- eh help me out. I would really enjoy my job more if I had more responsibility and worked more with my peers. Any ideas? Have you done something similar?

To be honest when they hired me they were concerned that the position I have now would be a demotion from my previous position -- which it is -- but this a fortune 500 company now, compared to the small company before.

I don't see anyone clamoring to the open positions. I'm more knowledgeable and experienced than people in my department.

Should I dress up? Lately I've been dressing down =)

Answer 1

My suggestion would be to approach your manager and ask for more responsibility.

There are plenty of corporations which allow for vertical movement while keeping your same title (and unfortunately the same salary).
When (s)he asks you why, be honest and say what your goals are for the corporation...that you want to move up and ultimately find yourself in a management/senior role.

Your honesty, taking on more responsibility and your career history will get you there.

Best of luck!!
P.S. Everyone makes mistakes....don't sweat it!

Answer 2

2 months is still pretty new to be in line for a promotion in a large company. You might want to have a talk with your department director to let them know you are interested in the positions and would like to be considered. You can explain how your past experience may be of value to this position. Most companies would rather hire within if it's the right candidate.

And yes, dress for success.

Answer 3

Be sure what it is that you want from "moving up" and how much you're prepare to give for it. "Moving up" often, but not always, requires greater conformity to the conventional wisdom as well as to the dress code. It often means working harder and longer. Unless you are careful, while increasing your visibility you can also loose your identity, except for that of being a person in a hurry to "move up."

Probably the best thing you can do is accept and learn from those mistakes. If you have good leaders around you, they will appreciate that. Take more responsibility for your own actions and be of service to your peers and you will be recognized.

Good luck!

Answer 4

Whooaaa! Hold your horses! Two months and already you are bucking for a promotion. You are going to send negative feelings throughout the office. If you do ask, you better watch your step, folks will be trying to cut your throat or stab you in the back, if you have the nerve to ask only after working there for two months. You should wait at least one year before you try to leap frog up over everyone else at your level.

Answer 5

Most of the people I see moving up in my company, sleep with either their boss or their bosses boss.

If I were a better looking guy I would do the same.

Answer 6

First understand who you are in competition with. After that you will need to move accordingly. Understand your strengths and your weaknesses as well as your competetors.