Asking for a promotion is pivotal in any career, so it can be nerve-wracking even for the most dedicated professional. Whether you’re eyeing a higher position within your current company or aiming to shift into a more challenging role, the key to success lies in focus, careful preparation and timing. Here’s a step-by-step guide on asking for a promotion, including tips on building your case, deciding how much to ask for, when to make the request, whether to do it formally or informally and how to follow up.
This article was originally posted by Lucy Paulise @ Forbes.com
1) Be Clear On What You Want
The first step in preparing to ask for a promotion is clearly defining what you want so you can stay focused. A promotion can mean different things: a salary increase, a leadership role, a title change, or a combination of these. Start by asking yourself key questions: What exactly are you aiming for? Consider both your needs and the needs of your company. What would be a realistic request? Identify the non-negotiable aspects of your ask and where you might be flexible. For example, you might seek a leadership role and a raise but be open to taking on more responsibilities without an immediate salary increase.
2) Dress The Part
Once you’ve established your goals, start taking on extra responsibilities that align with the promotion you’re aiming for, even if they are not part of your current job duties. Act like a leader to become one. When colleagues need help to finish a project or complete smaller tasks, offer to assist. However, it’s important to focus on tasks related to your desired role. For example, if you aim for a leadership position, offer to support your manager with their tasks, or stand in for them during projects or meetings. You can also request your manager to involve you in cross-departmental projects or take the initiative to reach out to managers in other departments where your skills are most relevant.
3) Build Your Case
Build a strong case by understanding the requirements of your desired role and demonstrating how you meet and exceed them. Start by documenting your achievements, especially those that have positively impacted the company’s bottom line, such as revenue growth, cost savings, or efficiency improvements. Promotions are often given to those who demonstrate leadership potential and the ability to take initiative. Highlight any projects where you took the lead, mentored others, or exceeded your job description. If possible, gather testimonials or keep track of positive feedback received in performance reviews or via email.
4) Know Your Worth
Research whether the promotion should come with a raise. A typical promotion raise could be 10-20% of your current salary, but it’s important to be realistic. Use tools like salary comparison websites, industry reports, and networking to understand the average salary for the role you’re aiming for. Websites such as Glassdoor, Payscale, and Salary.com and Salaryexpert.com can be valuable resources. Consider your company’s pay structure, any promotions within your team, and the business’s overall financial health. Also, it’s not the moment to be humble, identify your strengths and make sure you get paid for them.
5) Know When to Ask
Consider asking for promotion during performance review periods, when it’s a natural time to bring up your case, or after a successful project. If you’ve recently completed a high-impact project or received notable recognition, use this momentum to discuss a promotion. Also, consider how the company is doing financially to adjust your expectations or timing.
6) Make the Request
After analyzing the previous steps, ask for what you need. If you have an ongoing dialogue with your manager, you can inform the discussion in your next one-on-one meeting by telling them about your plans. Depending on the company culture and structure, you may need to write a formal proposal documenting your case. Use all the information from the previous steps and take action.
7) Remain Engaged and Assertive
Regardless of the outcome, remain engaged and assertive by being positive and requesting specific feedback from your manager on the next steps. If you’re not promoted immediately, find out what areas you need to work on and set a timeline for reassessment. If your promotion is contingent on achieving certain milestones, clarify what those are and how you’ll be measured. Regularly check in with your manager to ensure you’re on track. Whether you receive the promotion or not, remain positive and professional, performing always at a high level. Ask for support from a coach to stay on track and keep focus on the end goal, and keep working on it every day.
If you’re ready to advance your career, make sure to prepare to present your case. Dedicate the time to ensure you have done your best when the opportunity arises. Asking for a promotion is an important career step. Even if the promotion doesn’t happen immediately, the process itself can position you as a proactive and ambitious employee—qualities that will serve you well in the long run.
