HOW TO ASK FOR A PROMOTION

Robert Half UK

If you are craving additional work or challenge, or vying a recently

vacated position in your company, you may also be thinking about

the possibility of a promotion.

Promotion

For many professionals,

asking for a promotion can be daunting as many

assume that managers or

higher-ups should initiate the

process.

Most managers however,

appreciate your that you are

assertive and would be eager to assist you in your

career path (*Note- this is

usually the case when you have

proven yourself)

How do you go about asking for a promotion?

Ask yourself these questions first:

Are you ready?

Have you already started to take on to take on extra

responsibilities?

How does it feel?

Do you enjoy the extra challenges they offer?

If your answer is positive for all the questions, then think about your

additional contributions to the organization

and how these will help you obtain a

promotion.

Improving your visibility through volunteering for special projects, networking with

internal stakeholders and developing your specialist leadership skills is a great start.

As is identifying areas of improvement, both

the company and yourself.

The more employers and managers who

consider you to be an indispensable

resource, the better your chances for

promotion.

Is the time right?

If your company is cutting expenses or had a bad quarter, its probably not the right ideal moment to ask

for a promotion.

Be familiar with your company’s

protocol, as some consider

promotions during annual performance

only.

Also, pay attention to timing when you schedule a conversation with your

supervisor.

The best time are generally when your

manager has a lighter workload.

He’s more likely to feel open minded and relaxed.

Scheduling a meeting

Prepare your case

Before the meeting, think about the reasons why

you should be promoted.

Keep a running tally of key accomplishment and contributions you have made to the company’s bottom line, problems you’ve solved and how

you’ve saved the company’s money.

Also include any specialized

training you have taken that is

relevant for the new run.

Be polite yet confident

Once you are in the meeting, explain

briefly which position or area of

new responsibilities you have in mind, and why you feel you are qualified.

Maintain a calm demeanor and do not become defensive or

emotional, even if your request is not

immediately accepted.

If you are told that the timing is not right, ask when it is appropriate to bring up the matter

again and how you might improve your

skills in the meantime.

So what do you do if you are passed up for

promotion?

When a coveted promotion that you

felt that you deserved is awarded to

someone else its natural to feel

disappointed. It may even seem that your

career has been knocked off course.

So how do you handle it?

Allow time to process your

feelings.

After missing out on a promotion, its common to feel a sense of rejection

or defeat.

Rather than isolate yourself, reach out to

members of your professional network, such

as former colleagues or mentors.

Its likely they’ve undergone a similar

experience in the past and could offer their support

and advise for overcoming negative feelings.

Objectively asses the setback

After you’ve recovered from the

initial disappointment,

consider all of the factors that may

have influenced the promotion decision.

For example, the other candidate might have had

experience you are unaware of, making him or her more

qualified for the role.

Or perhaps your manager did not know you had

expected to be considered for the promotion.

Plan your next steps

Use the feedback you’ve received

from the conversation to reassess your strength and

shortcomings.

If you were passed over because you lacked a key

skill for the position, develop a strategy for

growing professionally.

This may include additional training or

certification, working with a career coach or

requesting for more challenging assignments

that require you to stretch your talents.

Look at your broader career

goals

Again, take into account the

likelihood that you will be a candidate for promotion in

the future.

If you intend to stay with your current

company, work with your manager to ensure that the

next time a promotion arises

you are first in line for it.

Set performance benchmarks and

goals to meet and get your bosses

input about ways you can strengthen

your prospects.

Taking action immediately to get

back on track after a missed promotion

turns the setback into a learning opportunity.

This will ensure you emerge from the experience with a

clearer sense of your professional goals as

well as how to achieve them.

END OF PART ONE

HOW TO COMMUNICATE EFFECTIVELY AS A LEADER