How to Ask About Promotion Opportunities for a Current Job

You're ready to move up the corporate ladder, but a little hesitant to talk to your boss about opportunities for promotion. Overcome your fears to get the responsibility and salary you deserve by uncovering ways to upgrade or expand your current position.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Phrase your inquiries about a promotion tactfully so your boss won't think you're threatening to leave if you don't get an opportunity for advancement. Make it clear that you love your job, have a vested interest in the company and that you're not interested in jumping ship.

2. Detail how long you've been with the company, your previous experience and what you've learned on the job. Discuss pertinent projects or skills that will lend themselves to a higher position. List the ways you've already improved the company's bottom line or implemented more efficient systems.

3. Mention other employees who previously held your position and discuss the opportunities they received after the same number of years on the job. Mention one with a career path that you'd like to follow and discuss the ways your experience, management styles and skill sets are alike.

4. Ask about additional duties that you can perform in your current position if there aren't any promotion opportunities available. Take on challenging tasks that others shy away from. You may earn a small raise or show the powers that be that you're ready to move up if you shine with these new responsibilities.

5. Find out what skills you need to acquire if your boss says you're not ready for a promotion. Volunteer to work on the projects she suggests, improve your interpersonal skills, attend seminars or earn an advanced degree if it will help.