A promotion at work is one of the best ways to improve job security and move up the corporate ladder. It’s also a great way to upgrade your CV and show future employers that you’re a capable employee. Unfortunately, getting that promotion requires your bosses or superiors to see you as someone deserving of the role and capable of leading others into the future. For most people, getting recognized is the hardest bit, as most bosses are unaware of how hard their staff really work. So, how can you get that well-earned promotion?
Do Your Homework
Nothing is worse than asking for a promotion, only to be tested on your skills and fail. Not only is this embarrassing, but it also ruins your chances of getting a promotion anywhere in the future. Instead of proving you’re capable, you’ve shown that you’re not actually ready for more responsibility, so make sure you know everything there is to know about your job, your workplace, and your industry before making the plunge. Master the art of your job first, and you may be promoted to take on a more challenging project soon.
Plan the Timing
A promotion at work is a vote of confidence, symbolizes success, and can increase your salary potential for years to come. But how do you ask? The timing is critical. For the best chance of success, asking your boss after a project is successfully finished is probably best. This gives you something to show as an achievement, and you’ll also be able to do a presentation on it whilst it’s fresh in your mind if you’re asked to. If you ask in the middle of a project, you might mess up at some point, which your boss will be watching for. The slightest mistake and it’ll give your boss a reason not to promote you, whereas if you made a mistake in a project you’ve already successfully completed, your boss will be none the wiser.
Ask for a Meeting
If you feel like you’re not getting the promotion you deserve at work, it may be time to ask for a meeting. In your meeting, set out your goals and make it very clear to managers what you’re aiming for. This registers your interest and puts you at the forefront of their minds if they’re looking for someone to promote. You should also ensure minutes are made in the meeting to ensure a formal record has been kept. The last thing you want is for there to be no evidence of your meeting if they choose to promote someone else in spite of you.
Know Your Numbers
As we live in an increasingly competitive world, companies are more selective about who they want to promote. You have to know your numbers if you’re lucky enough to get your name in the hat for consideration. Before asking for a promotion, have a strong idea of what you’re worth. You can use this to calculate your increased salary, enabling you to ask your managers for a real raise. If you pick a number out of thin air, your request won’t be taken seriously. If you have the numbers laid out on paper, however, your managers will see you’re serious about promotion and will consider your offer.
If you’re looking to be promoted to a high level, you also need to have a strong idea of company and industry data. Once you’re promoted, you’ll be responsible for your department and your people. At the end of the day, most companies are out to get money, so they need to be confident they’ll be able to turn around a profit. Impress them with your knowledge and you’ll have a higher chance of promotion.
Work can often be a slog, especially when you’re putting in the hours and not getting anything back. Use the tips above to navigate the treacherous path toward a promotion, and your time spent at work will one day be more worth the effort!