Introduction

In a fast-paced business world, Personal Assistants (PAs), Executive Assistants (EAs), and Administrative Professionals play a pivotal role in ensuring smooth sailing operations and supporting leadership. When it comes to asking for a promotion, you have to get to the point where your boss or company does not want to let you go because you are invaluable. Aside from consistently enhancing your skills and knowing everything there is to know about your immediate workplace and manager(s), we have put together a comprehensive guide to help you achieve that well-deserved promotion.

What To Do To Get Promoted

Excel at Your Current Role

Let us begin with the basics! Before anyone can ask for a promotion, it is crucial to master your current responsibilities. You have to have a history of handling your tasks efficiently and with a high level of competency:

  • Be proactive: Learn to anticipate the needs of your boss or executives (This is a highly desired skill in many of our job board's descriptions).
  • Be organised: Ensure that your work environment and systems are orderly.
  • Be reliable: Become the go-to person for problem-solving!

Enhance Your Skills

Investing in your professional development is key to getting ahead in any industry.

Expand Your Responsibilities

Looking to fast-track? Take the initiative to ask for other duties, responsibilities or projects. Perhaps consider extra work in areas that interest you specifically.

Top Tip: Be sure to keep on top of your day-to-day work even if you have taken on additional responsibilities.

  • Project Management: Offer to lead or coordinate projects. Pay close attention to what is passed across your desk and what different teams are working on and see where you can be of service.
  • Mentorship: Taking junior colleagues under your wing showcases leadership and a commitment to team development.
  • Process Improvement: Identify and implement ways to improve office processes.

Seek out a Mentor

Finding a mentor can provide guidance and support. This is the perfect opportunity to subscribe to Links as we are currently working on a mentorship program, offering our network of PAs/EAs the opportunity to teach and learn.

  • Advice: A mentor will provide insight into how to navigate the promotion process.
  • Career Guidance: A mentor will help you set realistic career goals and develop strategies to achieve them.

Communicate Your Ambitions

Taking ownership of your career development is essential. Here’s how to make your aspirations known:

  • Performance Reviews: Use performance reviews as an opportunity to highlight achievements and discuss potential career avenues.
  • Action Plan: Work with your supervisor to create an action plan for achieving your promotion, outlining the steps and milestones needed.

Summary

To secure a promotion, focus on excelling in your current role with efficiency, proactivity, organisation, and reliability. Enhance your skills through continuous learning, especially in advanced administrative and soft skills. Take on additional responsibilities to demonstrate your leadership potential and seek mentorship for guidance and career planning. Finally, communicate your ambitions clearly during performance reviews, ensuring your supervisor is aware of your goals and achievements.

If you are looking for a role as a PA, EA, Secretary, administrator, or any other support role, temporarily or permanently, please email us at info@bainandgray.com your details, or call us at 020 7036 2030.