Most companies will have team leaders, supervisors, managers and senior managers, so there is a clear route to the very top of the ladder. Schools, for example, hire teachers, heads of departments, heads of year groups, deputy head teachers, head teachers and many other roles in between. Starting at the bottom as a teacher means that you’ll become aware of any vacancies for higher positions. In time, it’s possible to get to the very top and become the head teacher of the entire school. However, other careers might not be so clear-cut, for example, if you don’t have the necessary qualifications to become a manager of a particular company or if the business has been family-run for years. If you’re in a job where you don’t feel like there is any growing room, maybe it’s time to look around for a new one.

Even though you might not be applying for a higher position just yet, your bosses will be watching you to see what you’re like in the work place. If you’re one of the employees who always seems to be complaining about one thing or another, or you don’t seem happy in your work environment, you’re very likely to be bottom of their list when they look for somebody to promote. Similarly, you might be a positive person but are quite content with doing the bare minimum required for your position. Again, employers look for people who take initiative and are willing to go the extra mile. If you enjoy doing your job, it won’t seem like hard work to do a few extra tasks or try to help out a little more. Don’t become over-confident and try to take over, but start to think like a leader way before you’re even considered for a promotion.

In any business or organization, it’s easier for everybody if those in charge of others have a winning personality. When employers hire leaders and managers, one of the key qualities they look for is a friendly and approachable personality. When you start a job in a new place, be friendly to everybody, no matter how high or low they are within the business. Join your colleagues for a drink after work, or get involved in the weekend clubs they may have. Attend the Christmas parties and accept invitations to any birthday parties and other celebrations which other employees may be hosting. Not only will this make your job more exciting and enjoyable, but you’ll stand a much higher chance of getting a promotion if people actually like you within the company. The bosses will be looking for somebody who has the respect of others.

Some people are quite happy to stay where they are in a company, but would appreciate a little extra cash at the end of the month. Getting a bigger salary without moving up in the company is only really possible when you have been working for several years and have been a consistently good employee.

In some cases, your boss will invite you for an informal meeting and tell you that you’ll be getting a pay raise on account of your great performance. However, if you want to try and get one yourself, you’ll need to arrange to see your boss and persuade him/her that you’re worth more money.

The key is to prove to your boss that the company would be substantially worse off without you. Jot down your achievements during your recent time in the company, and include reviews and testimonials from clients or other bosses. Ask yourself if you honestly believe you deserve a pay raise or you’re just trying to get lucky.

Many employees get pay raises after being offered a job with another company. If this is the case and you are very tempted to accept the new job, speak to your current boss. If he/she is aware of how good an employee you are, they may try to persuade you to stay by offering you a larger salary.