Much debacle and graduate careers advice is sought after in order to get a first graduate job, a foot on the ladder, to get the snowball rolling, etcetera, etcetera... So much so that phrases like these are now recognisable clichés, yet the ladder metaphor is a much better suited expression than that of a rolling snowball simply because a gathering snowball makes it sounds all too automatic and easy.

As many graduates discover, the home-and-dry feeling once they secure a graduate job does wear off quite quickly. The workplace, however pleasant and friendly, is often competitive to some sort of degree. We would not want to over exaggerate it as a vicious dog eat dog world to those students and graduates who are yet to experience it because it is not, but in the working world, and especially in large organisations, rivalry for promotions do arise. Obviously this is not a rivalry to be nasty about, quite the reverse, in order to win it all one must do is simply demonstrate that they are the best person for the job promotion - sound familiar? Yes, it is job applying all over again, but this time it's internal!

Being internal produces some significant differences to graduate job applying, and they are mostly positive. Firstly, your employer, or at least the person who is making the calls on the promotions, knows you and your personality which, considering that you hold your current position, should be that of a hard working, dedicated and results producing individual. You are no stranger to them like you are when applying for a graduate job.

Secondly, you are in a prime position to demonstrate the key skills and attributes that they are looking for in a successful candidate for the promotion. Make no mistake, if you are a candidate for a promotion every gram of results you produce, work power and ethic is being analysed so make sure you beam effectively!

Of course, there is naturally the alternative edge to this sword, any slight blips that occur are also seen and analysed. One or two of these is not a problem so do not worry, but if they persist and are unusual then talking to whoever is in charge about the issue and how you feel it could affect your chances of promotion is certainly an option. Simply state that the results are unfortunate and unusual and also mention why you believe they are negative (because if they are unusual it should be little to do with your hard work!) also back this up with the great results that you have previously achieved.

Finally, you may be asked to attend an interview for the promotion, and here the same graduate careers advice can by employed from regular job interviews - remain friendly and talkative, communicate your enthusiasm and sell your skill set. If you perform well in this interview and back that up with evidence and results then a promotion is likely heading your way.