Here is a step-by-step guide on how to ask for a promotion:
- Have a meeting- Prepare for a two-way conversation to discuss the possibility of a promotion. Asking for a promotion requires a balanced discussion and a weighing of pros and cons to help your employer make a decision. Schedule an in-person meeting with your manager to discuss your proposal.
- Be prepared- Employers expect you to know your market value when asking for a promotion or pay rise, therefore you need to be prepared in advance and ready with well-researched facts and statistics to back up your request. Establish your target salary, starting with your market value, then adjust it to suit your role and qualifications. Practise what you are going to say ahead of the meeting and consider what questions your manager might ask you about your proposition. Achievements that contain numbers or statistics are a much stronger indication of your performance than general statements.
- Be clear- You want to present a comprehensible, concise case that is balanced with facts, evidence and consideration. You want to be clear about what it is you’re asking for and the reasons why. Reflect on what you want e.g. if it is a job you want that already exists, or if you want to create a new role or move up in your current department. Knowing the answer to this allows you to better understand your goal and position your request. Make sure your intentions are honest and beneficial to the company.
- State your case- Make a success list detailing your accomplishments, contributions and the responsibilities you’ve taken on. If you have received recognition or awards from colleagues, clients or managers include them in your pitch to demonstrate your value to the company. Mention the ways in which your efforts have had positive effects on the company.
- Mention your impact on the business- Be specific and provide examples about how your achievements have affected your team and the company as a whole. Your promotion has to benefit, have a measurable impact and provide value for the business. Consider the timing- Ask yourself, what is the current market or state of the business? Can they afford to promote you? You don’t want to ask for a promotion and be immediately shut down based on the current financial state of the company. Be aware of what has been happening at the company e.g. any layoffs, cutbacks or restructuring? Consider how your timing may impact the company, as you might benefit from asking for a promotion after a successful event or after a notable professional achievement.
- Provide evidence and statistics- Backup your request and the points you make with data or facts. Supporting your answers with evidence and statistics demonstrates your ability to take on more responsibility and understand the bigger picture. The actual meeting will be less stressful and more productive if you have the evidence you need to back your request.
- Be prepared for questions- Anticipate any questions or concerns your employer might raise and prove you have done your research and prepared for everything. Confidently provide answers and solutions as to why you are the right person, or it’s the right time for you to be promoted.
- Be patient- Your manager might not have a definite answer immediately after the meeting. They might need to have discussions with other decision-makers before they make any promises or offers. They may also want time to consider whether it is even possible for the company to allow such a promotion. Be polite, patient and respectful and continue to do good work and look for ways to elevate your performance and skills.