Last month’s newsletter gave some advice about how to ask for the help you need to move forward in your career. This month, I’m alerting you to the two specific situations in which you should make that ask. These are situations in which it’s more likely you’ll get what you ask for.

1. You’ve just nailed an assignment.

Every time you do an outstanding job on an assignment or project, you’re in a situation where you can ask your boss for something that will benefit your career. For example, you might ask for a half-hour meeting focused on how you should go about building your network or for a career-building opportunity - like a challenging assignment or the chance to attend a training or conference.

2. You’ve just done someone a favor.

If you’ve just done an informational interview for a co-worker’s younger sister or you’ve covered for him during his vacation, you’ve just done him a favor. It’s human nature to want to reciprocate. So now’s the time to ask for some advice on how to get along better with a difficult co-worker or tag along with him to the next industry meetup.
 
But here’s the thing. If you want to make the most of these situations, you need to do two things:

1. You need to think of what this person can do to help you advance in your career. Can she introduce you to someone you would like to have in your network, or can he proofread your LinkedIn profile?

2. You need to ask for the help right away, not next week or next month. The half-life of your good deed is very short. By next week, the favor you did will be long forgotten.

Keep your eyes open for these opportunities to ask for career-enhancing opportunities!  You’ll be surprised at how they can propel your career.