If you’re happy in your current job, satisfied with the position and all that goes with it, bravo. Stay put and excel. But if you have a hankering to move onward and upward soon, or even down the road, then here’s some tips—centered around goals, building a reputation, and networking—that will head you in that direction. Goals First things first, set aside some time to take stock of where you’d like to be in 5 or 10 years, and then turn the focus to you, as an employee. Hmm, wait - let’s switch that up. Look at your performance first.

• Have you turned on your A game?
• Given it your best efforts?
• Are you, in reality, the kind of employee you want people to think you are?

Studies show that the majority of people see themselves as top performers even if their on-the-job efforts say otherwise. Step up your game. Name and claim a couple (or more!) work related habits that you can improve upon, then hold yourself to them. Now that you’ve dealt with performance issues, let’s look at the big picture.

• Does seeking a promotion or higher-level job now fit with your long-term goals?
• Do you have a roadmap for where you want to be, career-wise, in 5, 10, 20 years?

If you don’t know where you’re going, how will you ever get there? Don’t wander through your working years going in circles, never really arriving at or accomplishing anything of significance. Chart a course with obtainable goals, both short and long-term, so that opportunities don’t pass on by you. Reputation Nothing says “I’m ready for a promotion” better than excelling in your current position. Notice it’s not being bored or simply tired of your tasks that signal you’re ready for bigger and better things. Rather, if you want to be seen as promotion-worthy, start by being known as the guy/gal who:

• Gets the job done - without complaining
• Offers to help out
• Brightens the place with his/her smile
• Is a true team player

Heed one boss’s advice. "In order to get a promotion, you need to actually be worth it! Don't walk around with the air that you deserve it; that sense of entitlement is going to get you nowhere." Build Your Network The more people who are familiar with your strengths, abilities, and work ethic, as well as being acquainted with your ambitions, the better chance your name will surface when opportunities arise. Put yourself out there where you can be seen, and that includes showing up with a smile at work related social engagements too. Develop a mentoring relationship(s) with someone higher in the company who can spread the good word about you. And don’t overlook establishing a bond with the boss. He has the power to either aid or block future moves. When the time’s right, make MPS Technical your partner in achieving your career goals. We offer training before the start date, follow-up during and after each assignment as well as PTO, holiday time, referral bonuses, and benefits to qualified individuals. Apply today and experience the difference MPS Technical can make for you!