How to get the Corner Office

The old saying that nice girls (or boys) don't get the corner office may well have some truth in it. We all know people that seem to have less ability than us get promoted ahead of us and we wonder why and how?

The workplace can be broadly divided into two groups - self promoters and non promoters. Those that get promoted are usually better self promoters. So if you dislike self-promotion but want to get noticed, you might need to consider adopting a new approach without changing who you are.

Here are some tips to get you started...

* Become more visible to senior management. If you've been ducking out of those boring meetings, then get back in and attend meetings that key people will attend. Make it a goal to come up with at least one idea per meeting and try to surprise people

* Network internally and make it your business to know others in different departments. Find an excuse to talk to people and get to know their problems. You'll be surprised at how easy it is to help others and so get yourself more noticed

* Let your Manager know that you are keen to take on more responsibility. Keep at it, don't give up easily. You'll be surprised how many Managers are unaware of how ambitious members of their team are

* Be smart, not everyone including your Manager may be willing to see you move on up. Smart means also making your boss look good. This can be a win-win as both of you get what you want. Take full credit when it's due but reflect some of it to your boss

* Remember that businesses rarely want to lose good people, and they may promote or create a role for you rather than let you go. Think of a role you could create and offer to do it for free. Offer to do it for a trial period which is a great Trojan horse technique.

* Gaining valuable experience is worth more at times in your career than a pay rise. Offer to take on more work and more responsibility. It'll look great on your CV and make you more valuable to the business, esp in today's climate

* If all else fails, it's time to move on. Every job has a shelf life so don't leave it too late to find a new challenge!

* Register with Gregory Martin Search and get onto our candidate search radar asap! You never know when we'll have the perfect role for you!

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3 things to do in 2012

No 1 - this year is going to be a year of continued transition and change in publishing, so start thinking ahead and start future-proofing your career. Dust off your CV today and bring it right up to date with your recent achievements. No 2 - put yourself in your bosses shoes, ask yourself what changes would you make if you had to protect your organisation's business and profit. List all the things that you notice need improving or area's where savings can easily be made and book a meeting with your boss to tell them just that. No 3 - register your CV with us so when your ideal job comes up, you are ready to win the job you deserve. Don't stand still, 2012 is the year to be much more proactive by putting yourself in opportunity's way.

Are you doing your Job?

If you want to build your career in publishing, doing your job well is not enough any more. To be noticed as someone of value you will need to do a lot more than what you are paid for. Start to offer to take on extra responsibilty or additional work, esp if someone leaves. Only then will your boss see you as someone of potential that gives more than others, then chances of a promotion will be not be too far away.

Year End - Your CV is your Business Plan

Your CV is your Business Plan. Fortune favours the prepared person so the saying goes, so even if you aren’t applying for jobs at the moment, do take time to update your CV. December is the perfect time to review your CV and by adding recent changes and achievements in your role.

Quote for the Month

"In the world of work, everyone is paid in two currencies; cash or experience. Please take the experience first, the cash then is sure to follow later" - Tim Waterstone.

How to get your CV read

Is Your CV Boring you? If it bores you when you read it, then it will bore everyone else. However, there are absolutely no rules on how long your CV should be. Even one page is too long if it’s bores the reader and three pages are perfect if keeps the reader interested. BUT remember the golden rules; 1/ Your CV is only a tool to get you an interview 2/ Your CV should show you as a problem solver 3/ The reader is only interested in what you can do for them 4/ Your CV should show your job achievements & skills 5/ Don't take shortcuts, adapt your CV for every job you apply (ie shorten irrelevant outdated CV bits that detract from what the reader is looking for). Good Luck!

Don't be Afraid to Fail

For success inspiration, read Michael Jordon’s new book: “I’ve missed 9,000 shots and lost 300 games, 26 times I’ve missed the game winning shot. I’ve failed over and over and over in my life and taken risk in my career - that is why I succeed”. Too many times in our career's we stay put in a job that we have already outgrown because it feels safe, why not take some risk and get the job your talent deserves in 2012 - keep asking yourself; is this what I really want? If I don't change things now, then when will I take some risk to get what I want, if not me, then who?

Nov - Interview Rejection

It's natural to take it personally when you don't get invited to a face to face interview, especially when on paper you feel you are clearly a suitable candidate for a particular role. Remember that you don't know who else has applied, and that candidate selection is based on what the Company is ideally looking for, not what you have to offer. If you are not invited for interview, try not to take it as a personal rejection, as 99% of the time we know it really is not. Eventually, you'll land the right role.

Oct - People Hire Attitude

Your attitude shows up in very subtle ways even when you try not to show it. In many cases employers will promote a person with a great can-do attitude over one say with more experience or skills, so check to see if you are still showing a positive outlook, otherwise you may be undermining your chances of landing your ideal role.

Register your CV with us

LinkedIn Invite

Connect via LinkedIn in 2012
Candidates & Clients, please find Greg Evaristo on LinkedIn www.linkedIn.com/in/gregevaristo)request to be linked in & we'd be happy to accept your invite. more info

Gregory Martin Search & Selection, 8 Northumberland Avenue, London WC2N 5BY

email - support@gregorymartin.org

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