A job promotion doesn't happen magically after you have worked at a company for a while. Nor does it happen if you have seniority. Ideally, you get promoted when you prove that you are ready to take on more responsibility and that you deserve more in pay. Follow these steps to get noticed by the boss when a higher position is available:
Make tangible contributions. It may be true that you work harder than anyone else. You may be racking up overtime, but you need to have something to show for it. Mention what your hard work has done to improve the bottom line because effort alone is not specific enough.
Stay in touch with the boss. Management will not notice the mouse in the corner. Make an effort to let your boss know what you have been up to. This is not the same as brown-nosing, which is flattering the boss in ways that have nothing to do with work. If your work has been important to the success of the company, then your boss needs to know about it, whether you are angling for a promotion or not.
Step up. When you have the chance to take charge of a project, do it. Volunteering for projects will make you stand out, and, if the results are good, your boss will know that you have leadership potential.
Find out what it takes to get ahead. Performance reviews are the perfect time to discuss your goals and how they fit with the company's needs. Let the boss know where you want to be in the future, and ask him what you need to do for overall career advancement. If you have taken the initiative so far and excelled in your position, your boss will be happy to tell you. If you have not, you'll be getting a valuable reality check so you can hang on to your current job.
Back up your claims. Your boss needs to know that you are the right person for an open position, and you won't get promoted if you can't convince him. Prepare a document detailing exactly what you have done, how it helped the company and how it relates to the job you want. By writing everything down, you might realize that you've been doing the work of a higher position all along.
 | Before you approach your boss, make sure you understand how to ask for a raise. Know how the company's doing and your direct contributions to its successes and be prepared to sell yourself. |
 | Considering asking for a raise? Before you decide to take a drastic step because you aren't earning enough money, learn the basics on how to ask for a raise. Sometimes you can talk your present employer into recognizing that you're a valuable corporate asset who deserves recognition. |
 | Before you sign your salary negotiation letter, you need to understand the art of negotiating your way to receiving a salary you are happy with. |
Salary negotiation begins as soon as you hear about a job and decide whether or not it is for you. As you get interviews, watch out for blunders that could doom you to the lower end of the pay scale. |
Knowing how to negotiate salary increase can greatly increase your chances of success. Before planning strategy, you need to be sure that you actually deserve more money before bringing the issue up with the boss. |
