1. List the things which can get you promoted?

Here are the things which can get you promoted:
☛ Tell your boss, you are Wrong
☛ Bring the Bad News First
☛ Be Drama-Free
☛ Smile
☛ Take Notes
☛ Never Skip the Office Party
☛ Do not Expect to be Rewarded
☛ Hold Up Your End
☛ Ask How You Can Help
☛ Have a Solution
☛ Know Your Job and Do It

2. Why should you not expect to be rewarded?

Confidence is one thing, arrogance is another. Yes, you were the top of your class in college and yes, you dominated your last project, but it is a fine line between letting your work speak for you and duct-taping it to your boss's computer. Worried your boss doesn't notice your achievements? Set up a meeting to talk about what you have been working on, and ask for feedback.

3. Why should you never skip the office functions?

You know how they say that as many business deals are made on the golf course as in the office? That same principle applies to the office party. One boss points out that skipping the chance to socialize with your co-workers means you are missing basic office news and alienating yourself from the people who sit next to you 8+ hours of your day.
When it comes time to pick a team member for an advantageous project or conference in Hawaii, who will be chosen? Not what is her name, that girl who never comes to the party.

4. What should you have a solution for?

To please a boss, you can follow one rule of thumb:
☛ Never bring up a problem without a possible solution to recommend.
☛ Brainstorm feasible, reasonable solutions to the problem you have.
☛ When you present it to your boss, launch right into what you recommend as a solution.

5. Why should you know your job and do it to get promoted?

Since you are already taking notes, make sure you scribble somewhere exactly what your responsibilities are and make sure you prioritize them. Along the same lines, it is important to know which tasks are crucial and which can take a backseat.

6. Why should you always ask how you can help from colleagues?

There is another word for that, one that appears next on the "cliched for a reason" list, initiative. Clearly, you should not be asking your boss to hold your hand during every step of a project, but a well timed "What can I do to help?" or "I noticed that [task] needs doing, I will tackle that," is much appreciated.

7. Why should you bring the bad news first?

Ultimately, a mistake or issue is your boss's responsibility, so make sure your supervisor is aware of any large-scale or constant problems. This does not mean you should email every time the printer is a little wonky, but you should make sure your boss is apprised of any serious issues.

8. Why would you hold up your end of work?

Complaining about your role on the team is both futile and aggravating to your boss. Where is she supposed to find you a sub? If you are not a team player, the real fix is to learn the rules of the game and fast.

9. Why should you be drama free to get promoted?

Especially in an office environment, we have to work closely with different personalities and in less-than-ideal situations. Unless there is a real problem keep complaints to yourself. As one boss says, "Your job is to make your boss's life easier, not plop your drama on his or her lap. Save that for your friends and family or your diary."

10. Why should you keep smiling for getting promoted?

You do not need to blind every passerby with your pearly whites, but remember that no matter how close your deadline or how heavy your workload, other people will take their cues from you. If you are snapping at co-workers and frowning, they will snap and frown right back. Instead, take a breath, put on a smile, and show your boss you appreciate the opportunity.

Download Interview PDF