3 Practical Career Growth Tips (That Will Help You Get Promoted Faster)

Written by Dru Angeles | Dec 16, 2024 11:48:16 AM

Think about how many Filipino professionals spend years in the same position, wondering why they never get chosen for the next level. Many are dedicated workers who complete their assigned tasks, yet they feel stuck. In today’s competitive workplaces—whether it’s a BPO company in Makati or a remote setup from Cebu—standing out means doing more than what’s required. Being known as someone who delivers reliable results, connects with colleagues, and adapts to changing industry needs can significantly shift your career path.

By following these three tips, you can:

  • Achieve career success without feeling overshadowed by others who have more connections.
  • Overcome the misconception that you must wait for years before gaining enough credibility for a promotion.
  • Position yourself for sustainable career growth, leading to opportunities that support your personal goals.

When you apply these insights, you set the stage for faster promotions and a stronger professional reputation.

Tip 1: Take Initiative and Go Beyond Your Role

It’s easy to settle into your assigned duties, especially if you’ve been in the same position for a while. Yet, promotions often go to those who show they can handle more than their job description. This means proactively identifying areas where you can contribute. For example, if you work in a BPO handling customer service calls, you could volunteer to help train new team members. When managers notice that you are willing to add value beyond your expected tasks, you become an essential member of the team.

This approach also helps you gain new skills. You might learn how to solve technical issues or coordinate better with another department. Over time, this sets you apart. However, a common mistake is trying to do too much without focusing on quality. Instead, pick one or two initiatives that highlight your strengths. Show measurable results, such as improved response times or positive client feedback.

In the Philippines, many senior HR professionals recommend this approach. Maria Santos, an experienced HR manager who has overseen numerous promotions in top local companies, notes that employees who take initiative tend to earn the trust of their supervisors. This trust often leads to strong performance evaluations and promotion opportunities.

By stepping outside your comfort zone, you prove your readiness for greater responsibilities. This paves the way for steady advancement. Next, we will discuss building relationships that can further speed up this process.

Tip 2: Build Strong Relationships with Key People

Years ago, when I started working in a busy Ortigas-based call center, I noticed that those who received quick promotions were not only skilled, but also well connected. They talked to colleagues in other departments and learned from their leaders. These relationships helped them stay informed about internal opportunities. They also received early guidance on improving their performance.

To build these connections, consider joining group lunches, asking sincere questions during team meetings, and being approachable in daily chats. Another effective step is participating in company events or online forums where employees share work-related tips. The primary benefit of these efforts is better visibility. Managers and decision-makers learn who you are, what you care about, and how you can help them achieve the company’s goals.

Try a simple approach: set a goal to speak with at least one new colleague each week. Ask them about their role and find common ground in your work or goals. Encourage them to share their insights. Over time, this helps you form a support network that can point you toward training sessions, new projects, or vacant positions you may not have known about.

If you want to reinforce this habit, think of ways to maintain regular communication. For more advanced implementation, you could offer to help moderate a department chat group. Different individuals respond to this in their own way, so be respectful of boundaries. Building these relationships supports your long-term career growth. Next, we will address the importance of continuous skill development.

Tip 3: Focus on Continuous Skill Development

Improving your skills helps you stand out to supervisors and HR managers who are reviewing candidates for promotion. Many professionals become comfortable doing the same tasks every day. This limits their growth. Neglecting skill development can lead to outdated abilities, fewer opportunities, and decreased job security.

A practical approach involves three clear steps:
Step 1: Identify a new skill that fits your career path. For example, if you’re in a BPO environment and want to move into a leadership role, you could improve your communication or conflict resolution abilities.
Step 2: Enroll in a short course. There are many affordable online classes specifically designed for Filipino professionals. The Philippine Institute for Development Studies has noted that workers who continue to train and learn are more likely to advance in their careers. Even if it’s a few hours per week, consistent learning adds up.
Step 3: Apply what you learn to your work. If you develop new software skills, use them to organize data more efficiently. If you learn project management techniques, handle a small project and deliver results.

Some may worry that spending time on skill development takes away from their daily tasks. However, investing in yourself ensures that you remain valuable and prepared for changes in the job market. Over time, this commitment to growth can lead to better-paying roles and a more stable future.

You have learned three practical tips for faster promotions: going beyond your job description, building valuable connections, and continually developing new skills. Taken together, these strategies position you as a reliable, resourceful, and forward-thinking employee. They help you become known not only for doing your job well, but also for contributing to the company in meaningful ways.

Start applying these tips in small steps. Each improvement you make, conversation you have, and skill you gain moves you closer to the promotion you deserve. Keep refining your approach and soon you will notice significant progress in your career.