Image Credits: forbes.com
You’ve been with the company for a while and you’re killing it in your current role.
You’re ready for the next step, but you’re not sure how to broach the topic of promotion with your boss.
Below, we’ve outlined a few tips on how to discuss a promotion with your boss. We’ve also included a few things to avoid when broaching the topic of promotion. Let’s get started!
Understand the expectations of your role
When you’re gunning for a promotion, the first step is to understand the expectations of your role.
Do some digging and find out what is and isn’t considered part of your job description. This information can be especially helpful when it comes time to broach the topic of promotion.
Remember: promotion isn’t just about a change in title or more money. It’s also about taking on additional responsibilities and growing your skillset. So start slowly, and build up to bigger tasks that may have the potential to lead to a promotion.
Then, when you finally sit down with your boss, you will be able to speak confidently about your accomplishments and how you’re ready for the next step.
Collecting your successes and achievements
You’ve been working hard, putting in the extra hours, and going above and beyond your job description. You’re ready for the next step, but how do you bring it up with your superior?
One way is to compile a folder of documents that support your case. This might include letters of recommendation from clients or colleagues, emails of feedback from happy customers, or screenshots of positive social media comments.
If you have examples of times when you’ve gone above and beyond, be sure to highlight those too. And if there are any areas where you feel like you need to improve, now is the time to mention them. Honesty is key here—after all, your boss is likely to bring them up in any discussion about promotion anyway.
Researching your industry’s average salary trends
Image Credits: marketingprofs.com
Now that you have a good understanding of your skills, and the value they bring to your company, it’s time to do some research on what the market rate is for your position.
This information will be necessary to have when you go to speak with your boss about your promotion. Google to get an idea of what the average salary is for someone in your field.
Keep in mind that these numbers can vary depending on location, years of experience, and other factors. But having a ballpark figure will give you a good starting point for your discussion.
Writing a proposal letter or setting up a meeting
If you decide to take the more formal route and write a proposal letter or set up a meeting, there are a few key points you will want to hit.
First, offer an overview of your time working at the company, highlighting key achievements and their concrete impact. Second, explain why you think you are ready for a promotion, and third, detail what the new position should look like.
Remember to be clear, concise, and direct in your communication. You want to make it easy for your boss to say yes!
When it comes to asking for a promotion, there’s no one way to do it. You might want to schedule a meeting with your boss or send a proposal in advance. Or, you might simply want to bring it up in conversation. Just make sure you’re polite, and that you’ve done your homework. Make it clear why you think you’re ready for a promotion, and outline what you can bring to the role. And, be prepared for your boss to say no. If that’s the case, be sure to ask for feedback, so you can continue to improve and grow in your career, or plan for your departure.
