I am in the current job for the past five years. My career growth in this job has been stagnant in the first three years. Its only in the last two years that I have been getting ahead in my career. When I sit back and analyze my last two years at work, I could identify a few pointers that have really helped me in getting ahead at work. I am listing them below.

1. Find a mentor
A mentor plays a very important role in your career advancement. A mentor is someone, preferably higher up in position than you are. You should be openly able to discuss/share your career goals, issues that you face, problems with your mentor and ask for advice. Choose your mentor wisely.

2. Understand your job description
Setup a meeting with your immediate manager. The agenda is for you to ask the boss these questions.
a. What is his expectation from your work?
b. What qualifies for more than expected?

3. Get better @ work

You will have to get extremely efficient and better at your normal work. This will ensure that you complete your normal work fast so that you have time left off to take up tasks that fall under the “more than expected” category. You can even ask your boss to delegate some of his tasks. To get a promotion you need to prove that you can handle a higher role.

4. Have an opinion

You should have an opinion of all your work related tasks. Make sure you express your opinions whenever you get a chance;it may be right or wrong. Discuss your opinions, have an argument, but be flexible enough to understand the other side of the argument and accept it if you feel there is some merit. Higher ups always like people who express their opinion.

5. Initiative

Identify projects that have a greater visibility to the higher management & volunteer for them. Regular work does not get you noticed, no matter how efficiently you do it.

6. Communication

No denying the fact, communication is the most important skill you can have in the corporate world. So go master it!

7. Integrity

This is a no brainer. Always deal with integrity in all your actions and speech.

I hope these few pointers can help you in your career as they have helped me. I would like you readers to add to this list and contribute a few more that have helped you in getting ahead in your career. Please share them in the comments and help others achieve their career goals!