Have you been going above and beyond at work hoping one day you will get a promotion? Why sit around and wait for someone to recognize what you bring to the company, when you can show them! We will explore how to professionally ask for a promotion and how to manage expectations during this process.
Get Prepared
The first step in how to professionally ask for a promotion is all about preparation! This process can somewhat resemble negotiating a job offer, such as being prepared with the data before entering this negotiation. Before you ask for a promotion be sure to have the evidence to back up your proposal.
Research
Before you start to work on your request be sure you have researched your desired position’s compensation. To ensure you gather the correct information you will need to factor in the job title you are seeking, the years of experience you bring, your location (as that impacts cost of living), and the compensation that is deemed appropriate. I encourage you to utilize Salary.com, as this can help you sort through this information to ensure you are asking for a reasonable promotion.
After you have reviewed these data points, its important to obtain the job description for the role you are seeking. If you cannot locate it from your HR department, you can always Google similar job descriptions as a guide. Its important to review your current job description to compare and contrast job duties. Maybe you are already doing some of the duties of this higher level position and that should be noted. Be sure to make a list of additional job duties that you currently do, that is not in your current job description to demonstrate you are willing to go above and beyond.
Another step during your research phase, is to ask for feedback on your proposal from any trusted colleagues. They can sometimes see something you may not. Also, review any other feedback you have received in the past. Compile how you have improved, as this shows growth and initiative. It’s also important to understand and learn the company process. For example, maybe your company only does promotions once a year, so focus on that time of year. The last thing you want is to go through this process, to then have to wait 6 months to do it all over again.
Achievements
As you are gathering information and doing your research, be sure to locate any documented positive feedback/recognition/achievements to provide. Its important to remind your manager what a valuable asset you are and all of the things you have accomplished. Bring up positive relationships that you have developed as well with any internal or external stakeholders. Also be sure to locate any certifications or degrees you have received in the past or recently. Finally, locate your latest positive performance review and/or development plan, to demonstrate past positive feedback and achievements. A great opportunity to showcase improvements made based on past feedback. Through this process of how to professionally ask for a promotion, it will also be valuable to create what your roadmap (plan/goals) are for the new position.
Presenting Your Request
Now that you are prepared to professionally ask for a promotion, you are ready to create and present your request! You may be starting to get a bit nervous. Just remember as you move through this process, don’t second guess yourself. Don’t let your imposter syndrome voice creep in thinking that you don’t deserve this, essentially talking yourself out of it. You deserve to advocate for yourself! Worst case scenario is you are in the same place you are now.
I encourage you to write email to your manager. Make sure it is thorough and to the point. Remember less is more, don’t overwhelm them with the data you found. You need to tell a story of why you deserve a promotion. Part of storytelling is highlighting the most important information. Should they request more in depth information, you will have that ready should they need it.
As you are writing this, remember to always be courteous, professional and respectful. Don’t give ultimatums or threaten to quit. Don’t make comments like ‘if you really appreciate me you will do this’. You are just going to aggravate them and likely get denied. Those comments come across defensive from the beginning, which demonstrates poor leadership behavior. Could be used as an excuse to say you are not ready for a promotion.
After you have finished your proposal, let them know that you are available for a conversation. Give them some time to absorb what you are asking and time to do their own research. Be patient. Dont catch them off guard with an in person approach Give it about a week before following up. When following up, just note you want to verify the email was received. Also be sure to reiterate again you are available for a discussion at any time.
Be Prepared for the Response
Again, give them time to respond. Don’t harass them about it, they have their jobs to do on top of looking into this request. They likely will need to speak to their manager as well before getting an approval on anything. So give them at least a week before following up. Let them know you are free for a conversation should they have questions. Be prepared for such a timeline, as its not going to be a next day answer.
Being prepared for the response, is knowing what you are going to do after you receive their answer. If you get a decline to your request are you going to be upset? So upset that you are going to start looking for a new job? Or will that make you want to work harder? How well do you accept feedback? Essentially if you do not receive the promotion you are asking for will you stay? Some people become frustrated and feel the company doesn’t see their value and can no longer stay. Others view it as an opportunity for growth. Both are acceptable, but you need to make that determination for yourself.
The Conversation
Your manager responded saying yes they would like to schedule a time to discuss your email. So you set the time that works for both of you. Be sure to bring all the data you researched with you to the meeting, in case they have any questions. Go into the conversation with confidence, professionalism, and a positive attitude. Start off by thanking them for their time to meet and appreciate them considering this opportunity. Let them know your excitement for growth and development with the company.
At this point you will likely be receiving a response. If you get the response you were hoping for… a promotion! Congratulations! If it’s not the response you were hoping for, always be polite and respectful, thank them again for considering. Feel free to ask them what areas of improvement you could make to one day receive that promotion. Be prepared to receive feedback, as it may not be what you want to hear or agree with. Use the feedback to continue improving and working towards your career goals.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, you researched your position, gathered all of the data, prepared your response and sent it off to your manager. A meeting was then set to discuss your proposal, awaiting a response. My advice is to have a prepared reaction ready for either response and know what your plan will be next. As you move through this process, of how to professionally ask for a promotion, its important to remember that your reaction will be remembered. This will have an impact on your future at the company.
