Ask Matt: How can I get ahead in corporate America?

Dear Matt: I work in corporate America and am struggling to get ahead. What's holding me back? Can you talk to someone inside these big companies about what employers really want?

Matt says: When it comes to understanding what goes on inside corporate America, there isn't much Farhan Farooqui hasn't seen. He has nearly 20 years' experience working for Fortune 100 and 500 organizations and now runs his own HR consulting firm, HR MILIEU (HRMILIEU.com).

Below, he discusses some key issues every HR professional and recruiter deals with — and provides some tips for job seekers to get ahead.

There is good news: A stronger economy is only going to help professionals come salary negotiation time. "As the economy is getting out of the dark zone, employees will once again be bargaining with employers," says Farooqui.

At the same time, some things are still in the dark ages. "It's unfortunate to say but discrimination does happen," says Farooqui. "This world is not all honest. Be ready for that. Most folks get too disturbed and take focus off their job hunting and want to file a lawsuit."

Be careful though. Most lawsuits are expensive and not easy to win. A company like HR MILIEU works with job seekers in a variety of different ways and consults on issues such as discrimination.

Age discrimination is also still an issue, says Farooqui. But he encourages older job seekers to focus on skills and experience — what they can do instead of what they can't do — to keep their career moving forward.

If you're frustrated in your current role, be sure you understand why before looking to move on.

"When people get frustrated with their present company and/or their present team or boss, they simply want out and many times accept the next role they are offered," says Farooqui. "Guess what happens then? They hate this new job or manger as it becomes just a matter of time before they are looking again."

Want that promotion? It's not just about having the most skill or education. It's not about experience or being the top performer. It's as much about relationships and culture fit, too. Translation: Be a good co-worker.

"The corporate world revolves around relationship," says Farooqui. "Many people underestimate the relationship between them and other colleagues, not thinking that one day they may be working for one of those colleagues. So when collaborating and working on a project with someone, or a manager on a different team, treat it as if that manager is viewing you for the next position."