You Think You Have Earned It? Here is How to Ask for a Promotion

Internal mobility is key to employee happiness.

Nearly 62% of employees in the managerial levels are satisfied with their jobs. Although they have more responsibilities, the perks are huge. They get more healthcare facilities, paid leaves, and sponsored development programs.

69% of US workers are ready to give their best if adequately appreciated. Another 63% of employees are driven by employer’s respect. Appreciation and respect can come in different forms, and talent mobility is one of them. It can increase employee engagement by 30%.

If you have done well in your current role and believe that you are ready to take on additional responsibilities, you can ask for a promotion.

But there is a certain way to go about it.

First of all, you may need to ponder a few things –

• Does your ambition relate to your current job?
  If it does not, then a promotion will probably not help you. You need to find what your heart seeks and move towards achieving your immediate goals.
• Is it about the money?
  If it is, then asking for a raise will be enough. A job promotion comes with increased responsibilities. It is best to ask for one when you are ready.
• Is this the right time?
  The organization may be going through a tough time and in need of a leader. If you extend your helping hand, the company might take it. A promotion will keep you satisfied while you can focus on raising the bottom line of the business.
• Do you deserve it?
  It is the trickiest question you can ask yourself. Working hard may not be enough to deserve a promotion. You may need to retrospect and see if you have that ‘thing’ to propel the business and your career.

If you think you deserve a promotion and that it is the right time, the following suggestions can help you ask for the same.

State facts and evidence
Before asking for a promotion, you should create a list of facts and achievements that prove your worth in the company. State instances from the past where you have helped the business earn profits or crack lucrative deals. If nothing else, you can mention skills upgrade or increase in an experience that deserves a better use. Keep your factsheets ready while talking about the promotion.

Pick the right time
Promotion talks can be time-consuming. Most supervisors have tight schedules, so it is better to ask them for an appointment earlier. You may also meet your boss in the cafeteria when she seems relaxed and approachable. It depends on the equation you share with her. But choosing the right moment is essential, as it can make or break the deal. Also, try to guess your boss’ mood before starting the promotion talks.

Approach your employer
In small and medium-sized companies, you can talk to your employer directly about such things. For example, in startups, there is almost little or no hierarchy. The CEOs are approachable and believe in enhancing personal connection. If you work in such a company, you can speak to your employer directly about the promotion, stating reasons why you deserve it and how you can contribute to the company’s growth. After holding the initial talks informally, you may send an official application, if your boss gives the nod.

Ask for recommendations
Is your manager or someone else in a higher position leaving the company? Take a chance to talk to them. You can ask them about job responsibilities and challenges in that position. If you are game, you can even ask them for a recommendation. Although the success of such discussions depends on your relationships and their equation with the boss, it can be worth a shot.

Approach the HR department
In many companies, the HR department is the sole approachable body for raises and promotions. You can conduct a meeting with HR and state your reasons for requesting a promotion. You may even create a formal presentation to let them know your plan for the business. If they find it satisfactory, they can talk to the employer and recommend you for a higher position.

Seek new responsibilities
It is an indirect way of letting your supervisors know that you are expecting a promotion. Go the extra mile and ask for responsibilities beyond your regular ones. Make sure you execute them properly without giving them a chance to complain. When they realize your potential and appreciate your efforts, you may go ahead with your proposal. However, you should know that it may take time for such things to materialize. If you are looking for quick fixes, open conversations are the best.

Things to keep in mind while asking for a promotion
If you think you deserve a better role in the company, you may need to prove it. The employer may ask about your recent achievements, strategies, and plans for the business. Keep your ideas ready, and your mind sharp to answer their queries efficiently.

A few things to remember during such discussions are:

• Be ready for rejections - Do not let them dishearten you. Try to take the ‘no’ positively. All you know that your employer may be trying to guess how passionate you are about your goals.
• Prioritize the company’s interests – You need to prove why the company needs to promote you and how they will benefit from it. The promotion may be profitable for you too, but your employer may see the company’s benefits first. So, it is better to keep your interests aside for a while.
• Be vocal –o not expect anyone else to vouch for you. People may recommend you, but that’s that. When asked the necessary questions, you need to be prepared to answer them.
• Refrain from comparing – Your colleague’s promotion is not enough reason to knock your boss’ door for one. Such an attitude may not go down well with your employer, as you may appear whiney.

Many a time, you may not even find a suitable position to get promoted. If you have a good rapport with the employer, discuss your dream role with them. See what they have to say about it. Most employers take a genuine liking for ambitious professionals. You may also ask for an extension of your current role. Tell them that you wish to give more to the company, and you need their nod for the same. In the worst-case scenario, they will disagree. But you will create an impact for sure. When they consider a promotion in the future, they will have you in mind.