We know it might be a rather stressful step to make, but remember that if you don’t put the effort needed, you will never get the desired outcome. So, here are the steps that you can follow to help you ask for a promotion in a professional and, hopefully, successful way.
1- Pick the right time
You know your company more than anybody else. In case your company is facing a difficult financial situation, struggling to survive the harsh market, or even not making any profit, then you know that this might be a wrong time to bring up your promotion request. In order to guarantee that you land what you want, we advise you to wait for a good moment. Don’t rush things, and most importantly, don’t worry; you’ll get what you deserve. It’s just a matter of having some patience, which we know you have.
2- Plan your requirements
Once you decide on the suitable time to take your next step and ask for a promotion, you’ll need to develop a plan. Think ahead of time of the needs and requirements that you’re aiming for when asking for a promotion. What is it that you want exactly? Is it a title change? A raise? Moving to a more senior level? Managing a team? Or changing the department altogether? You should have all the answers ready before you go ahead and make that move.
When you plan these requirements, you should also make room for negotiation. It is very rare that you’ll get exactly what you ask for. So, be ready to give and take.
3- Talk to your manager directly
In most companies, your direct manager is the decision maker when it comes to promotion and salary matters. Going around and talking to other employees and managers who have no direct connection to getting you a promotion is no good. Actually, this might harm your chances more than anything else. The only person you have to talk to in this case is your direct manager. Ask for a meeting to talk through this matter and specify that you’d like to discuss your career direction so that your manager knows what to expect.
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4- Follow up
After you’re done with the meeting, make sure to write down all the points you agreed on. Whether you got the promotion right away, or were promised that you’ll get one very soon, send out an email mentioning all the minutes of your meeting to your manager. You might want to ask them if you should loop in the HR Manager or not. In case there were some HR procedures you’ll have to go through, or some extra responsibilities you have to undertake. Don’t just leave it up in the air, document everything and follow up as needed.
By Duaa Saif
This article originally appeared in Bayt.com. This article and all other intellectual property on Bayt.com is the property of Bayt.com. Reproduction of this article in any form is only permissible with written permission from Bayt.com.
