If you decide to go for it, be prepared.
Asking for a promotion is like applying for a job. You will be interviewed to explain why you want the role, what you know about it and why you think you are the right fit for it. Already being an employee can give you an extra chance as you have insights, know the products and the processes. However, your manager might be more demanding and you need to be ready to convince him of your expertise. Read the job description very carefully and be able to describe each of the tasks you would carry out. You must also think of why you think you can do this role and how your skills and knowledge will enable you to handle it well.
Choose the right time.
Do not confront this issue at a random time, make sure that the time is appropriate, your boss is happy, the department currently functioning well and It is better to bring up the topic during your annual or semi-annual performance review, which will most likely be scheduled at a time when budgets are being determined and the conversation fits in. The time you choose is a big deal, you most likely don’t want to get rejected if it is a bad timing and considering the human factors that will affect the outcome is very important.
Be realistic.
Asking to be a manager if you have only worked some months in the company or don’t have enough experience is not really smart and can discredit you. Stay rational and patient. If a role you like becomes available, ask yourself if you could handle the responsibilities and if you have the required skills to carry out the tasks. If you are a bit unsure whether or not you have enough experience, speak to your manager about it and ask him what he thinks. He will probably have a better overview of your capabilities and will be able to offer good advice. Whatever the outcome is, remember that building a successful career takes time and that it is better to progress slowly but confidently than quickly and fail.
Self-support.
Apart from what you say during your negotiation, pay attention what you are saying about yourself. You want to make sure your management understands the value you are contributing and how other departments are appreciating your work. Don’t be arrogant, but make sure your boss knows just how valuable you are with the work you provide on a daily basis, if you want to make this adaptable, you may want to boost your skills on producing quality reports. You can also look for ways to report back great outcomes and praise that you receive from other departments. When you make your department look good, your boss looks good as well, so any good manager will likely celebrate your accomplishments with you.
Make clear why the promotion is appropriate and explain your plan.
Why is it in the company’s best interest to bump your salary up and give you a more responsible position? Make sure you put that question first when you explain your reasoning. Remember that the company sees this is not about you or personally rewarding your behavior, It is about how you have proven to be capable of getting results; how you can provide value that at last drives a return on investment for the business. So think about how you can frame up your position to fit as closely with the company’s perspective as possible. Focus on concrete result figures as much as you can. It may help you to persuade them. Keep in mind also, that when you are proposing a business action, it isn’t enough to focus only on your past achievements. What are you going to do in this new position to get things on track for increased profitability is an important question, so make sure to have a plan.
Stay professional and show motivation.
Let them know that the reasons for a promotion is that you want to have more responsibilities, to be more involved in the company’s expansion or to develop new skills for example. Explain how this new position fits into your career plan and why it is important for you to move up the ladder in this company.
Be visible.
One thing that can also go a long way when you are working toward a promotion is taking on high-profile jobs. If you can bring something to the table in an initiative that holds a lot of weight for the company, you will likely earn the rewards when it’s time to talk about your position and compensation. It is a great way to quickly make yourself known as a cornerstone for the business’s success. When you are pointing something like this, Make sure it is also aligned with your department’s goals and that your boss is on board. If you are confident that you can take on the necessary role, go after this kind of critical work and everyone will thank you for that.
Don’t get too excited about it.
Being interviewed is always a good exercise whatever the outcome is, If the answer is negative, ask for feedback to know how to prepare it better next time and what questions you have to work harder on. Try to know what aspect of your profile wasn’t strong enough (skills, knowledge, years of experience or traits of personality). Don’t see it as a failure but as an opportunity to improve to get what you want. This will enable you to have a clearer idea of what is needed to get the role you want and how far from your goal you are. Don’t criticize the colleague who got the job or neglect your daily tasks. In this situation, it’s important to put your pride aside and to keep showing your motivation.
Stay positive and confident.
Finally, even in tough economic times, good companies know that valuable employees are worth the price they pay. So if you are doing well in your current role and think it is time to move up, there is no need to approach a conversation about this with any fear. Just get yourself educated on how to do it right and go for it!
