It may seem an odd time to absorb advice about promotion if you are looking for a new job, but it’s important to know if you ever want to be promoted you need to start planning now. That means having a plan and sticking to it from day 1 of your job.

Picture this: you've been slogging away and no matter how hard you try you never make any progress. Your ideas are routinely ignored, you're constantly overlooked for promotion and even the trainee who started last month seems to be closer to the boss than you.

Getting a promotion is tough and there is an art to achieving it.

This week I want to focus on the 10 reasons why you haven’t been promoted.

1. You whinge. If you've never been in a managerial position you may not realise, but managers spot disruptors. And don't be silly enough to think: 'he's a rubbish manager, he won't have a clue how I'm really feeling'. Even the most rubbish of managers pick this up. 'Loose lips sink ships' and more people have lost their jobs by mouthing off to the wrong people.

2. You are unprepared. You manager and colleagues may know you but you still have to prove yourself. Highlight your skills, show-off your knowledge and demonstrate how you can impact the business.

3. You're a slacker. So what if you're always late to work and you're the first one to leave? And it's not your fault you've missed a few deadlines or turned down a few projects. You had things to do like (insert excuse here).

4. You don't go the extra mile. You’re no slacker. You show up on time, you leave when you're supposed to and you meet your goals. But that's the problem - just meeting goals or doing work that is "adequate" or "OK" will help you to keep your job. It's not enough to get you promoted. Arrive early, stay late, offer innovative ideas, beat deadlines and do excellent work. If you don't go the extra mile for your employer, don't be surprised if your employer doesn't go the extra mile for you.

5. You haven't shown leadership. You can't follow others and do a good job; you need to lead others and be the example. Do what you can to get noticed by the people who have the power to promote you. Take on a project that is outside of your job duties.

6. You think you're entitled. If you think certain tasks are "beneath you" you need to think again. Show your employer you're willing to do whatever is asked of you, and you'll be much more likely to be given more responsibility.

7. You don't dress the part. Are you sloppy with your appearance? Does "casual Friday" creep into Thursday?  If so, it's no wonder you aren't being picked out for promotion. Copy those working in the position you want to be promoted to and dress similarly.

8. You have a bad attitude. No one likes a poor sport. If you don't have a positive attitude at all times, even when times are tough, it will be hard for decision-makers to support you

9. Your co-workers are superstars. Some industries are more competitive than others, and a promotion will be harder, no matter what. In such a field, you are going to have to do a phenomenal job instead of just a good one.

10. It's all about you. Your superiors want to know what you can do for them, not the other way around. So, in a discussion about a promotion, avoid the term "my career" and switch the focus to show your commitment to helping the business succeed.

Take a hard look at your attitude and style in work. Getting promoted is not rocket science; it’s about having a plan, setting standards and sticking to it.

Next week is the 10 step plan to get promoted.

Goodluck

www.cvwritingindia.com