This article is part of the “Career Development and Self-Promotion Tips” series.

In both my recruitment and coaching jobs, I hear from a lot of people who are currently looking for a new job, but they are starting from a defeated attitude. They figure there aren’t many jobs and there’s no money and it’s impossible to get a pay rise in the current economy.

There are also others who do have a job they don’t enjoy, but they are worried they won’t find anything better so they are staying in a job that is draining them.

I blame the media a lot. They turn a little bit of negativity into a mountain of pessimism which makes a lot of people financially paranoid. We become socially conditioned to expect the worst.
However – companies are always looking for superstars. Just in the last couple of weeks, I’ve made offers to a few candidates – most of which had other offers on the table, often with a min. 20-25% increase on their current salary.

But if you tune out all the negativity (not watching TV helps a lot!) and maintain a grip on rational thought, you’ll there are lots of opportunities for superstars, and many of them can choose from multiple offers – yes, even in this economy!

So how do you get ahead in a ‘bad’ economy? Let me give you a few tips:

1) Put your time and energy into CREATING and DELIVERING real value. Find a way to give your employer/customers what they want and/or need.

2) Be the best. Arrive early at work, take on extra assignments, get creative and connect with your manager to see if there’s anything you can help with. Outstanding performers become known through the company grapevine.

3) Attend and participate. Every event your company hosts is an opportunity to meet other managers. Be there.

4) Develop your marketing pitch. That’s the pitch that sells the product spelled Y-O-U. Have a concise statement about the impact you’ve made on your business unit and how your skills could translate to your next assignment.

Check out my blog post: What makes you different from other candidates? and video: How to identify your value proposition.

5. Take a step back. It sounds counterintuitive, but reducing your compensation a bit in order to grow your experience can make sense when you’re aiming for a new role. If you perform, responsibilities and compensation will match your performance.

6. Chase your dream job. Finding it requires speaking with a wide range of people at your company. Getting it requires developing the skills to present yourself as a serious candidate.

7. Think big picture. In order to advance, identify ways you can affect the whole organization rather than just focusing on your career. How do you get the big picture? By broadening your experience and your exposure to other managers at the company.

8. Show your passion. The number one requirement for advancement is passion and enthusiasm. Managers are impressed by people who love the business. You’d be surprised how often I need to reject candidates because they did not sound like if they were really interested in the role and the company

9. Become the go-to person. Volunteer for projects and take on leadership of the task. This gives you an opportunity to showcase your abilities.

10. Don’t brush off compliments. When someone tells you, “Well done!” don’t brush it off saying, “It was nothing.” (we women are particularly guilty of that!) Say that you’ve worked hard and appreciate the compliment.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this post – what else are you doing to get ahead?

If you’d like my help in getting promoted, please answer a few questions on www.talkwithmargaret.com and I will contact you to schedule a complimentary consultation.

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