How to Get Promoted
By Elijah Thomas
Getting a new job doesn’t mean you have to leave your current company. If you play your cards right and earn a promotion, there may just be an ideal position for you with your employer.
What can a promotion mean for you? More influence and a bigger paycheck come to mind. You can also find benefits in flexibility and more control over your role. A bigger team may also come with your promotion, which means more responsibility.
If you’re ready to take that next leap with your current company, there are some steps to take to make sure you make a strong case to your leadership team.
Here are some solid tips on how to get promoted with your current company.
Promotion Statistics
Forty percent of American workers are dissatisfied with the opportunities for advancement in their company, according to a 2019 CNBC/SurveyMonkey Workplace Happiness Survey.
The survey found that in seeking out a promotion, workers were confident that having a strong work ethic was the most important factor. Twenty-four percent of respondents said working hard would be the most help in receiving a job upgrade. Networking (19%) and receiving an advanced degree (16%) rounded out the top three.
Performance Matters
When it comes to getting a promotion and raise, your performance needs to be exemplary. If you’re hitting your sales quotas, leading your team well or keeping expenses in check, you’re likely a prime candidate for taking on more responsibility.
Prove that you’d be good at a more intensive role by showing that you are ready to take the leap. When it’s time to sit down and ask for a promotion, you’ll have a record of solid work ethic and strong results to use as your founding argument.
How to Ask for a Promotion
Navigating the conversation about a possible promotion takes a confident, yet modest approach. Instead of demanding a promotion and getting emotional about the situation, enter discussions with a steady, calm approach. Ask your boss what is required to secure a promotion.
Be direct with your employer about possible timelines and actions you’ll take if you don’t see yourself growing within the company. Tell them that growth is a natural part of being a professional.
Your boss will respect your honesty and will appreciate you having a mature, open discussion about your needs within the company.
Take on Extra Roles
Does your company have a community-focused arm that would allow you to volunteer in? This could be a great way to rub elbows with important decision-makers within the company, as well as external stakeholders who may have strong potential connections.
Look for ways to become involved with social committees or working groups. Again, the more you can connect and network with leaders within your company, the better chance you’ll have of sticking out when the time comes to promote internal talent.
Timing is Everything
Know the state of your business before bringing up a promotion. One of the worst times to ask your boss for a promotion is obviously after layoffs. Wait until the business is on solid footing to broach the subject of a promotion or raise.
This doesn’t mean put everything on hold. Continue to show your leadership team that you’re committed to the company and serious about doing a good job. Take on extra projects that show you’re a team player.
Follow these steps to give yourself the best fighting chance of landing that promotion.
