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HOW TO ask for a promotion at work?

Asking for a promotion can be a daunting task for many employees. However, if you feel that you have earned a promotion, it’s important to speak up and make your case. The question now is, how do you ask your boss for a promotion? More specifically, what is the most strategic – and respectful – way that you can go about asking your employer for a new job? Before diving into this, let's look at when the right time is to ask for a promotion. When to ask for a promotion Promotion is the next logical step for individuals who have been successfully doing their job for some time. However, many still wonder how to know they are ready for a promotion. While there is no single answer to this question that applies to everyone, there are some common circumstances that indicate you could be ready for a promotion. These include: 1.            You’ve been doing the job for a while and are looking for more responsibility. 2.            Your current responsibilities no longer match your title. 3.            You’ve already demonstrated your abilities and you know you have more to offer. Although there is no consistently perfect time to broach a promotion discussion, there are sometimes that are better than others. For example, if you recently had a positive annual performance review, then you might consider using the goodwill you’ve earned to discuss a promotion. However, if your employer just recently laid off other employees due to poor financial performance, consider waiting until the business is headed in a more positive direction. How to ask for a promotion Once you have decided you’re ready for a promotion and have the bandwidth to take on more responsibilities, you need to start the process of asking your employer for the job. Here are a few steps to make this easier: 1)            Research the job: Learn about the responsibilities, day-to-day activities, salary expectations and the skills required for the role you want to be promoted to. This helps you better identify your current suitability for the position and any skills you might need to work on to be successful. 2)            Prepare your pitch: Before you ask for a promotion, it’s important to build a strong case for why you deserve it. Prepare a pitch that showcases the value you can add to this new role by connecting your previous work achievements and current skill set with your desired job.   3)            Schedule a meeting: After you’ve crafted a compelling pitch, you should next schedule a time with your manager to discuss your possible promotion. When you request your meeting, be clear that you are ready for the next step in your professional development and that you’d like to discuss the possibility of increased responsibilities. This will give your manager time to also prepare for the discussion. 4)            Present your pitch: When you meet with your boss, you should present your pitch in a clear and concise manner, respecting your manager’s time by keeping your pitch focused and direct. Express your interest in the role you are seeking. Explain why you are excited about the opportunity and how you think you could excel in the position. This will show your boss that you are serious about your career and committed to the company's success. 5)            Be open to questions and feedback: Be prepared for any questions your boss might ask you after you have presented your pitch. They may also have feedback or suggestions for how you can improve before being promoted. Be open to this feedback and take it as an opportunity to grow and develop your skills. Show your boss that you are receptive to feedback and willing to make improvements. 6)            Follow up: After the meeting, follow up with your boss to thank them for their time and reiterate your interest in the role. If you don’t receive a promotion right away, ask for feedback on what you can do to improve and work towards the promotion in future.

Posted on 5/10/23

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