Do you have your eyes on a management job but don't know how to move up? Perhaps there's an opening in your organization in another department, but you're not sure how to let people know you're interested.

Sometimes people working in health care are the least likely to promote themselves and their abilities because they are so busy being caretakers. The best way to advance your career, however, is to keep your eyes open for opportunities to work beyond your current job description.

"Being visible and willing to take on new and different assignments can really show supervisors and management that you have initiative," said Robin Singleton, senior vice president with Tyler & Company, a national health care executive search firm headquartered in Atlanta. "It may require a bit of research within your organization to find the opportunities that suit your style and schedule, but the payoff will reap big rewards when you move up."

Singleton said volunteering for committees within the hospital or medical practice is an excellent way to broaden exposure to decision makers and gain valuable experience that can translate into management positions.

"It's important to separate yourself from all the others in the field," Singleton said. "Not only does this demonstrate leadership, it also provides good information for icebreakers during interviews."

She gave several examples, such as spearheading a blood drive or volunteering to be a speaker or to assist with public-education meetings.

"Show that you're proactive, passionate and involved," Singleton said. "That will make a real difference to management."

Volunteering outside of your organization also can help.

"Community issues can impact your organization, and it's a good idea to know what's going on as it relates to

health care issues in the community," she said. "Taking on a leadership role in these types of groups will also help you build your communications skills and show that you're connected outside your organization."

Working on committees and other volunteer assignments provides networking opportunities and a chance to know about openings before they are announced.

"Be a good listener and stay attuned to what's going on around you, in your own department, within your organization and in the community," Singleton said. "You'll notice that the people in leadership roles are the most aware and the best connected. That's how you can start making inroads into management."