7 successful executives share what it takes to climb the ladder during COVID

Are you ready to advance your career but worry about getting noticed through a Zoom lens? The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted several discussions about promotion etiquette. Some employees are wondering what they should do if the pandemic puts their promotions on hold, while others wondered about the ethics of asking for promotion during this time.

If you’re ready to climb the career ladder despite the pandemic, you have the power to get noticed—either your current company or even a competing one. But don’t take it from us. Here’s what seven executives had to say about growing your career during COVID.

1. Evaluate your Digital Presence

If you want the leaders in your industry to notice you and vie for your talent, make sure you can easily be found online and that your digital profiles look their best.

“Covid has presented an excellent opportunity for leaders to really focus on developing their personal brand and eminence online, not just around their industry or subject matter expertise, but as people, strategy, and thought leaders,” Victoria Pelletier, VP of North American Talent and Transformation at IBM, says.

Now may be a good time to create a professional Twitter account, attend virtual meet-ups, and showcase how much you know on social. Pelletier says starting out in a virtual setting can also give you some “electronic courage” before you meet in person.

2. Make it Your Own

There are ample opportunities to learn, even from a distance—but it’s not about what you learn. It’s about what you do with that knowledge; how you implement the lessons and put your own style on them, says Sam Meenasian, VP of Sales and Marketing Operations at USA Business Insurance:

“To grow in my career, I learned that you have to take what you learn and then make it your own, whether you want to become the executive of your own business or the one you work for now. Even during COVID, you always have opportunities to create your own style and showcase how that makes you more successful by earning new clients or hitting deadlines.”

For Meenasian, growing in your career, especially during COVID, is all about showing what you uniquely bring to the role and company. As he suggests: “Stand out by making the job your own.”

3. Accept Remote Work as the “New Normal”

As employees enter the second year of the pandemic, remote work is becoming accepted as a permanent way of working. According to a survey by Upwork, 62 percent of hiring managers say their workforce will be more remote moving forward. If you’re still struggling with Zoom meetings and can’t handle remote technology, then it will be harder to show that you can handle a promotion right now.

“Take time to really learn the technology that your business is relying on so highly now,” Mark Varnas, Principal Consultant and Founder of Red9, says. “Become the go-to person when there are tech issues.”

This shows that you can adapt easily and also help other team members find their footing when the company is in a crisis.

4. Find a Mentor

If you aren’t sure what you want to do or what options are available within your career field, seek out a mentor who can guide you in the right direction.

“Mentors can support us in reaching our full potential and bring inspiration to our career development,” explains Dorota Lysienia, community manager at LiverCareer. “While mentors help fresh graduates look for career guidance, they can also serve as an excellent source of knowledge for more experienced professionals. Even though it’s currently challenging to meet in person, we can still reach out to them and schedule online mentoring sessions.”

If you’re not sure where to start, consider working with a professional mentor service that can match you with someone who would be the best fit for your goals and desires.

5. Demonstrate Skills Improvements

Countless employees had their lives upended during the pandemic, whether they were asked to work remotely or were placed on furlough while their employers were shut down. This created more downtime, in other words, more opportunities to advance your career.

To move up in your career, show how you used that time to grow your skillset. John Ross, CEO of Test Prep Insight, has been impressed seeing this in his own employees:

“I have been incredibly impressed as a manager with the initiative a couple of my employees have shown by utilizing slack time at work (and general free time during quarantine) to seek out these opportunities.”

What skills have you acquired to advance in your field? What certifications or education levels did you complete? Make this clear if you’re ready to move up. As Ross says, “To managers, it shows that you are dedicated to your field, willing to take initiative and go the extra mile, and are obtaining special expertise.”

6. Keep Networking

Despite the pandemic canceling events and moving meetings remotely, it is possible to keep networking. More importantly, the old adage of “who you know,” still rings true. Forming connections today can still help you down the road. Not feeling it? David Cusick, Chief Strategy Officer at House Method shares an important reminder:

“Even if you feel like you’re stuck…don’t stop. Building those connections with people will not only help you grow in your career or grow your business—it will also make your work more fulfilling.”

It’s never too early, or a bad time, to build your network and leverage the learning and career growth opportunities that come from it.

7. Know What You Want

If you want to advance your career, you can’t ignore the power of goal-setting first and foremost. “Knowing what you truly desire is the first part of progressing your career,” says Dylan Howard, Director of Marketing and PR for Results Testing Today. “Once you know your goal… you can begin finding companies that best meet your goal.”

For example, some people want to increase their salary while others want to increase their company standing and others want to find work that is meaningful. You don’t necessarily have to choose just one option, but the job search (or promotion process) looks different depending on your goal.

Don’t Forget About Your Career Growth During COVID

Working remotely doesn’t mean you have to put your career goals on hold. Get clear on what you want from your career and use these tips and strategies to stand out among other applicants and your own co-workers so you can continue building a career that you’re proud to call your own.