How to Ask for a Promotion

Asking for a promotion is almost certainly an alien concept to many professional people. Approaching the boss in this way is often regarded as being just a little too forward, and many people would fear that they would simply alienate their employer.

In fact, many career-minded individuals have found great success from this kind of approach. Many employers will continue to make demands on their employees, but acknowledge that the same can work in reverse and are receptive to such discussions. Furthermore, taking the initiative in this way can reflect well on your career management skills, and your boss may be impressed that you are prepared to take this step.

So how should you go about doing it?

Prepare well

Asking for a promotion is not something that you simply do on the spur of the moment. You do not stop your boss in the corridor and mention it in passing. When you have established that you believe a promotion is due, you should assemble your evidence. Identify the work that you undertake and how this exceeds expectations. Demonstrate how you have already shown a consistent willingness to take on new responsibilities. Show how your role has already developed beyond the basic accountabilities for somebody working at your level. You need to present a compelling case to your boss, so gather all the evidence that you can to justify your point.

Arrange a meeting in an appropriate place

You should give your boss time to prepare for such a discussion and you should arrange a specific appointment, in an appropriate location. Choose a time that works well for your boss, ideally on a day when he/she is not swamped with other tasks. It won't hurt the process if you bring along coffees to help smooth the meeting along and give your boss some indication of what it is that you want to talk about well in advance of the meeting. As much as you need to prepare your case, your employer may want to think about what his/her response is going to be. If you put your boss on the spot, then the discussion is likely to get deferred.

Ask in a positive manner

As well as providing a compelling case for the reasons that a promotion might be due, present a very positive attitude towards your role. Talk about how committed you are to the success of the team and business unit. Articulate how the promotion can support team goals and make things easier for your boss. Demonstrate your flexibility and willingness to compromise too. In order to obtain the promotion, for example, you might need to undergo some additional training or take on some tasks that nobody else is willing to complete. You should also attempt to show what you think the impact of the promotion will be. You might, for example, be able to improve a process in a way that has direct impact on your customers.

Prepare for a negative response

If your request is declined, you may feel disappointed, upset and even angry. It is vital that you prepare for this, and that you are able to maintain a professional outlook. Establish what the objections are and then agree a plan to address them, with a timescale after which your boss will be willing to review the situation. Never use ultimatums or threats in any part of the process. If you are truly unhappy with the decision, and feel that you no longer want to work for your boss, then plan your next move separately and confidentially. At all times, remain courteous to your boss and maintain your professional image.

Be persistent

You are unlikely to get the answer that you want the first time that you ask for promotion. Be prepared to ask again, and be persistent about it. Your boss may be testing your resolve, so don't be disheartened if you aren't initially successful. Try to review your approach before asking again, looking for ways to improve the strength of your case where possible.

Asking for a promotion can be quite a big step for many individuals. Approaching the boss in this way can be intimidating and you may fear that you will alienate your employer. If your case is compelling enough, however, then your boss is unlikely to be able to refuse, and you should be confident that you are entirely worth the additional costs and benefits that are incurred through a promotion.