Getting bored in your job? Feel you have more to offer? Perhaps you’re ready for a new challenge, a new department, or a pay raise.
Some employees might look for greener pastures elsewhere, but the right opportunity might already exist at your current company.
While some employees are content to start on the ground floor of a company and make their career there, others have aspirations to climb the proverbial corporate ladder. If you have such goals but have been hanging out on the lower rungs for a while, perhaps it’s time to pursue a promotion.
But before you set up a meeting with your boss, read our guide and learn a little more about what it takes to get a promotion and how to increase your chances of reaching your goal.
There are many reasons employees seek promotions. Top of the list is often more money, but you have to remember that a promotion means a lot more than a pay raise.
A promotion entails a change in job title and level of responsibility. You have to be ready for that to enjoy the benefits of a promotion.
Here are eight signs that you are ready for a promotion. If you do not currently see these signs, take them as tips for things to work on for the future.
If you want to progress in your career, it’s important to work somewhere that offers opportunities for promotion.
Some industries have better upward mobility than others. They either have a better variety of jobs, more leadership levels or a reputation for high-achieving workers.
If you have lofty career goals, here are 10 industries (in no particular order) with the best upward mobility:
Of course, these aren’t the only types of careers where you have any chance of promotion. An individual employer in any industry may offer particularly good upward mobility.
Seek employers who prioritize career development and achievement for their employees. Here are a few signs that your employer provides upward mobility:
Once you decide you’re ready for a promotion, it’s time to talk to your boss. You can do this whether there’s an open position or give them a heads up that you want to progress in your career and appreciate their opinion and guidance.
When you talk to your boss about a promotion, be prepared to make your case. They need to know that you are capable of performing new tasks and managing more responsibilities and that promoting you will be worth it to them in the end. You also might be competing against other coworkers for the promotion.
When discussing a job promotion, consider these tips to help you present yourself in the best possible light and help your boss see why you are worth investing in:
Prepare ahead of time. Make sure you understand what level of responsibility is required to move up and what your company is looking for in the role you’re hoping to fill. Collect data that demonstrates how you bring value to your company and how your contributions prove you are ready to take on the additional responsibilities that come with a promotion.
Also, research fair compensation for that role so you have a reasonable salary increase and other benefits in mind if they ask what you believe you deserve.
Show your value. With your research in hand, show your superiors what you already contribute and how you can expand upon those contributions in a higher-level role. Stick with measurable facts that show your experience and achievements. Numbers that show improvements you’ve made for the company or praise from superiors and colleagues are ideal. Ultimately, you want to show them why paying you more will be worth it to them in the end.
Keep context in mind. Pay attention to the current climate of your company. If there is any instability, it might not be the right time to discuss a promotion. Or you may need to adjust your expectations for compensation and request non-monetary benefits to balance a lower raise.
Remember your employer’s goals. Keep your employer’s perspective in mind and focus on how your promotion will support the company’s goals and values. Don’t make the promotion about what you get from them but rather what they will get from you. Frame your promotion as a way to collaborate rather than as a reward or achievement for you.
Keep things professional. Emotion has no place in negotiations. Simply present the facts about your prior performance and future goals. Use a professional tone in your discussion. And don’t bring personal factors into negotiations, like how you need the money or think you’re better than the person who got a promotion last year.
Be confident. This is often the hardest part of negotiating at work, but don’t let your insecurities hold you back. Discussing promotion opportunities is a normal part of business. As long as you have good reason to believe you would be successful in a new role and make reasonable requests, you shouldn’t worry about overstepping.
If your superiors reject your request for a promotion, don’t take it personally. Use the experience and feedback as a way to work towards a future promotion.
Think recruiters only work with external job candidates? Think again.
Often the best candidates for a job are existing employees who are familiar with the company and ready for a step up. If you are hoping for a promotion soon, it’s well worth the effort to reach out to your company’s recruiter to discuss any open roles and if you would be a good fit for one.
Why work with a recruiter? Consider this:
When you work with a recruiter to pursue a promotion, it’s like having insider information. They can save you time and stress by helping you find a new role and preparing to negotiate for it. An experienced recruiter simplifies the process for you and increases your chances of success.
Richard Gioia
Principal, Lorraine Capital
