Moving up the career ladder - How far will you go?

In today's competitive world moving up the career ladder can be a top priority but how far will we actually go for that promotion? According to Monsterís latest poll, 20% of us would take extreme measures and do anything to ensure career progression, while 70% take a more laissez faire attitude, expecting hard work to be rewarded.

When the Monster Meter recently asked the question, ìHow Far Will You Go to Get Promoted?î 4,254 Brits placed a vote revealing:

70% (2,896 votes) I would expect my hard work to be rewarded
20% (895 votes) I'd do anything
8% (348 votes) Threaten to leave
2% (115 votes) Stitch up colleagues

I would certainly not endorse extreme measures to further a career - it is a good sign that the majority of respondents rely on hard work to secure a promotion.î said Rob Brouwer, CEO Monster UK and Ireland. ìHowever getting the job done may not be enough to guarantee promotion. Employees need to control their own destiny and demonstrate a level of pro-activity in seeking out recognition for good work and the subsequent rewards it can bring. Presenting your boss with clear, solid grounds for promotion and evidence of untapped skills that will benefit the company will ensure that you are in the running for the next available promotion. The Monster Careers advice and podcasts offer help on getting that promotion and also on finding new opportunities if you decide it is time to look elsewhere.

According to the poll less than 10% of us would threaten to leave to secure a promotion but in todayís healthy job market, where the jobseeker is in control, it may be a wise move. According to the governmentís office of national statistics, the average number of job vacancies in the UK for January to April 2007 has increased by 5% from the previous quarter and 8% from the same time last year. Therefore if you are not getting the promotion you are looking for it may be time to move jobs.

Reassuringly only 2% of us would stitch up a colleague in order to progress at work.

For advice on careers Visit Monsterís careers page on content.monster.co.uk

The results of the current Monster Meter are based on votes cast by Monster users in the UK from 18 April ñ 2 May. Only one vote per user is counted toward the final tabulation. Anyone interested in voting in Monsterís online poll may do so by logging onto www.monster.co.uk.