Tips on how to show your value as you aim for a spot in the corner office.

If you’re interested in a promotion, you should prepare. Bosses are busy, and they don’t always have your career development in mind. That’s why you need to be thinking about where you want to go next and how to get there. Here are four ways to position yourself for your next career move.

Show your contribution to the bottom line. Even if you are not in sales, you should be able to articulate how the work you do is valuable to the organization. Quantify how much money you saved, what time-saving measures you instituted, and how you improved processes. This is the type of information that you can share with your boss at your performance review.

Raise your skill level. In many fields, an advanced degree is becoming a necessity. Getting that degree can be a good reason for an employer to give you a raise and maybe even a promotion. Also, it is becoming increasingly common that certifications above and beyond a college degree are required for career advancement.

Look for opportunities to be involved in your organization at a high level. Joining interdepartmental teams can be a good way to gain visibility with management. You can demonstrate your problem- solving abilities as a team member and get to know others in the organization.

Let management know about leadership experience you’ve gained outside of work. Even if you haven’t had the opportunity to demonstrate leadership skills on the job, other experiences may be persuasive. For example, you may have taken on a leadership role in a professional association or in the community. All will help you build a case for a promotion.

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