Promotion Time…Do You Need To Ask For One?

Do you want a promotion? The answer that comes to my mind is YES, YES, YES! However, I have to stop and remind myself to think this through. Do I want this just to get a raise and make more money? Or, do I really want a new position, to work in a different department or “move up”? Once I determine that I want a promotion, now I need to go about earning or asking for one. There are many successful approaches, but some will fit your situation better than others. Today I will share four tips with you for asking for a promotion.

Four Tips To Consider When Asking For A Promotion

• First of all, know what you want to do and and what your boundaries are. With any pay raise, I also know that I will be doing more or responsible for more. Prior to asking for a promotion, I am going to do my research and figure out what exactly I am looking for.
• Set up a meeting with the person in charge, or your direct boss. In my opinion, it is always better to address them specifically and not just “put feelers out” or talk to your coworkers or other bosses about it. I have always approached the situation with respect and success in mind and it has worked well.
• Plan this meeting well! A lot of this depends on if someone is leaving and you know there will be in open position or not. Second, it will depend on whether you are looking for a specific promotion or just an upgrade in general. Know what you want, but be open to suggestions and new ideas. Some bosses have a big picture perspective and if they can’t give you the promotion you are looking for, they may be able to find you something else or even something better! Depending on the formality of your company, you could consider making a presentation. In less formal companies, a simple coffee or lunch meeting may do.
• Communicate your successes and what makes you a good fit for leadership or for moving up. Do not over communicate or sell yourself. Instead come up with 3-5 ways the company would benefit from choosing you. If you can’t come up with 3-5 ways, then take some time to do so. Make some changes or reflect and fine tune your workday to find them. Stay away from explaining why you no longer want to do what you are doing, and focus on the benefits of moving forward with your company. If promoting you solves a problem, or if you could better solve problems in a new position, this can be a big “sway” factor.