How to Ask For a Promotion

There are subtle ways to ask for a promotion.

Even in a tough economy, it is possible to get raises and promotions, as long as you know how to present yourself and your skills. Asking for a promotion may feel like you are risking your current standing. If the boss does not believe you are ready for the promotion, he may not feel you are capable of your current position either. This fear is normal, but typically unjustified. As long as you approach it correctly, you have nothing to fear from asking for a promotion.

Things You'll Need

• Past performance reviews
• List of accomplishments since last review
• A new job in mind, via a job posting or a great idea
• A scheduled meeting with your manager
• The items you reviewed in Section 1
• Your notes from the meeting with your manager
• Positive attitude

Instructions

1. Evaluate your own skills and look for areas within the company where you can apply those skills effectively. Take on some of the extra assignments from those areas to show you can do them. This way, when you approach your boss, you will already have a record of accomplishment established.

2. Keep the presentation professional and avoid discussing personal reasons for the promotion: "I really need to work better hours" or "I need the money for an operation" are not reasons that an employer will typically consider when making this decision. Similarly, avoid demanding the job or issuing an ultimatum. This could get you labeled as a troublemaker, or not a team player. Keep the discussion civil and professional.

3. Take "No" for an answer without getting emotional. The answer may be no because you do not have the experience, or it may just be a "Not yet." Getting angry or threatening will greatly diminish your chances of future advancement, and may even endanger your current job.

Tips & Warnings

• Ensure you have thought of all your accomplishments. Take time to review this information.

• Listen!

• Be professional in conversations with your manager.

• Be realistic about how well you are doing in your current job.

• Do everything you can to accomplish your action plan with a positive attitude.

• Be realistic about your contributions.

• Do not become irrational or demanding.

• Your manager may deny your request. Ask for a reason and be prepared to accept that you may have to put more time into your current job before getting that promotion.

• If you still feel you are being treated unfairly, contact your human resources representative.

References

• Forbes How to Ask for a Promotion in a Recession; Tara Weiss; January, 2009
• CNN Money; Promote Yourself at Work; February 2000

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish