You’ve got the job you always wanted and you have done it for a year or two. Now you are ready to increase your responsibilities, challenge yourself and progress your career.

Try these ten tips for the best way forward:

Keep your ear to the ground. The people who move fastest up the career ladder are not always those who wait for positions to be created. Listen to the grapevine. If you hear of anyone leaving or a new position being created, get in there before someone else does.

Make yourself indispensable.  The people who get promoted are the people who are always there. Don’t be too pushy but make sure your boss knows you are always willing. Show that you are paying attention to what is going on, and join in conversations whenever it seems appropriate.

Be knowledgeable Learn as much as you can about banking and finance practices, and about your niche in particular. Companies want people who understand the marketplace and can capitalise on emerging trends. Study the competition, read financial publications and network widely. The more you know the more you will be respected.

Take control. Try and define what you really like doing. Do you prefer working with others or on your own?  Do you like taking orders or giving them? Are you a team player or a leader?  You will soon get irritated and disillusioned if you aren’t doing what you enjoy. Be proactive.

Get feedback Find out what your company thinks of you. Don’t wait for your appraisal, ask for feedback when you have completed a a particularly important project, or when the opportunity arises for a quiet word with your manager. The more you know about how you are perceived, the easier it will be for you to adjust your performance to achieve more.

Hit targets. Whatever your job, it is important that you hit your targets from day one and that someone above you is aware of this in a subtle manner. To demonstrate your abilities keep a record of all your achievements and be able to reference specific examples during your next appraisal.

Show responsibility. If you are after a more responsible position, one in which you have to manage other people, for example, demonstrate that you can do it. This might mean volunteering to manage a project, organising a fundraising event or the office Christmas party. You are sure to be noticed if you are seen to take the initiative.

Be politic.  Plan your career move carefully, perhaps over several months. You might have to move sideways first. Look within the structure of the whole company. Is there another area that would appreciate your skills? Is your manager planning to expand the team? Strategic planning applies to you too!

Train.  Most companies are open to staff training; some provide it, whereas others recommend external providers. Choose a course that is appropriate to advancing your skills and interests. If your company doesn’t provide its own programme, find one for you and ask them if they will fund it.  

Be flexible. You don’t have to specialise too early on in your career. Move around a bit, even within the same company and keep your options open. Go for informative interviews for other jobs to find out about what they involve. Don’t be scared to try something new. Expertise comes with experience.

Prepare a good CV. Make sure that your CV covers all your skills, it’s not just a list of jobs you have done. Show your achievements, not just your responsibilities. Get help to ensure you have highlighted your best selling points. Age shouldn’t stop you – in either direction. Visit Monster’s CV Writing Services for more CV Tips.

Search jobs in Finance & Banking or visit Monster's Finance Forum

Career Energy is the leading careers consultancy in the UK. We work with individuals seeking to manage their careers more effectively and aspire to greater things.
Tel: 0845 226 1616 email: info@careerenergy.co.uk