HOW TO ASK FOR A PROMOTION Robert Half UK

If you are craving additional work or challenge, or vying a recently vacated position in your company, you may also be thinking about the possibility of a promotion. Promotion

For many professionals, asking for a promotion can be daunting as many assume that managers or higher-ups should initiate the process.

Most managers however, appreciate your that you are assertive and would be eager to assist you in your career path (*Note- this is usually the case when you have proven yourself)

How do you go about asking for a promotion? Ask yourself these questions first: Are you ready? Have you already started to take on to take on extra responsibilities? How does it feel? Do you enjoy the extra challenges they offer?

If your answer is positive for all the questions, then think about your additional contributions to the organization and how these will help you obtain a promotion.

Improving your visibility through volunteering for special projects, networking with internal stakeholders and developing your specialist leadership skills is a great start. As is identifying areas of improvement, both the company and yourself.

The more employers and managers who consider you to be an indispensable resource, the better your chances for promotion.

Is the time right? If your company is cutting expenses or had a bad quarter, its probably not the right ideal moment to ask for a promotion.

Be familiar with your company’s protocol, as some consider promotions during annual performance only.

Also, pay attention to timing when you schedule a conversation with your supervisor. The best time are generally when your manager has a lighter workload. He’s more likely to feel open minded and relaxed. Scheduling a meeting

Prepare your case Before the meeting, think about the reasons why you should be promoted. Keep a running tally of key accomplishment and contributions you have made to the company’s bottom line, problems you’ve solved and how you’ve saved the company’s money.

Also include any specialized training you have taken that is relevant for the new run.

Be polite yet confident Once you are in the meeting, explain briefly which position or area of new responsibilities you have in mind, and why you feel you are qualified.

Maintain a calm demeanor and do not become defensive or emotional, even if your request is not immediately accepted. If you are told that the timing is not right, ask when it is appropriate to bring up the matter again and how you might improve your skills in the meantime.

So what do you do if you are passed up for promotion? When a coveted promotion that you felt that you deserved is awarded to someone else its natural to feel disappointed. It may even seem that your career has been knocked off course.

So how do you handle it? Allow time to process your feelings. After missing out on a promotion, its common to feel a sense of rejection or defeat.

Rather than isolate yourself, reach out to members of your professional network, such as former colleagues or mentors. Its likely they’ve undergone a similar experience in the past and could offer their support and advise for overcoming negative feelings.

Objectively asses the setback After you’ve recovered from the initial disappointment, consider all of the factors that may have influenced the promotion decision.

For example, the other candidate might have had experience you are unaware of, making him or her more qualified for the role. Or perhaps your manager did not know you had expected to be considered for the promotion.

Plan your next steps Use the feedback you’ve received from the conversation to reassess your strength and shortcomings.

If you were passed over because you lacked a key skill for the position, develop a strategy for growing professionally. This may include additional training or certification, working with a career coach or requesting for more challenging assignments that require you to stretch your talents.

Look at your broader career goals Again, take into account the likelihood that you will be a candidate for promotion in the future.

If you intend to stay with your current company, work with your manager to ensure that the next time a promotion arises you are first in line for it.

Set performance benchmarks and goals to meet and get your bosses input about ways you can strengthen your prospects.

Taking action immediately to get back on track after a missed promotion turns the setback into a learning opportunity. This will ensure you emerge from the experience with a clearer sense of your professional goals as well as how to achieve them.

END OF PART ONE

HOW TO COMMUNICATE EFFECTIVELY AS A LEADER