Asking Your Boss for a Promotion in a Convincing Manner
So, you want to be promoted, and you’re gearing up for the big talk with your boss. How do you make your promotion a convincing case?
The first thing to know is that looking for career advancement takes work, and you simply can’t go to your superior without any preparation. Asking for a promotion comes with a lot of responsibility, and naturally, your boss will be asking questions. Thus, to give you an idea of what you need to prepare here’s a quick list of what you need to do before going into your boss’ office.
Do Your Research
To make a convincing case, you need to do your due research. Start off by finding out everything there is to know about the position you’re aspiring for. Find out about its responsibilities, salary range, and how it fits into your company’s ecosystem. In this manner, you can show your superior that you know what you’re getting into and that you’re prepared to take on the job. Aside from this, take the time to research how other people were successfully promoted. Study their strategies and find which can apply to your particular situation.
Back Your Case with Metrics and Documentation
Knowing what your desired job entails is not enough. You need to prove that you can do the work. To do this, you need to have a good work history. List down your accomplishments, the projects you’ve led, and other notable tasks you’ve done for the company. More importantly, make sure to back this up with data—facts, not personal observations—that show concrete numbers on how you’ve contributed to the company as a whole (e.g. new clients signed, revenue gained from specific accounts, or financial impacts of spearheaded projects).
Prepare Recommendations, Endorsements, and Letters of Support
Have on hand letters of recommendation and emails detailing support for you from influential colleagues and team members. These documents can significantly show that you are someone that can be trusted and that other employees will support you once you’ve been promoted.
Take the time to build a rapport with your colleagues, show you do great work, and earn their trust. Be someone that they can rely on. Having well-founded business relationships can serve you greatly in a promoted position.
Acknowledge How Your Promotion Affects the Company
Your promotion won’t affect you alone. It can have a significant effect on how the company works, so it’s important to point out how your promotion can be beneficial to the company. For instance, you can explain to your boss what your first 90 days would be like in the position you want. This would give your superior a better grasp of your working style, how it may affect your colleagues, and if it may have any beneficial or disruptive impact on the company as a whole.
Articulate Clearly What You Want
Asking for a promotion can make you feel vulnerable and nervous, like standing in front of a judge. However, you need to make sure that you relay your thoughts clearly and precisely to your boss, along with the proper data and documentation to back your case.
To do this, make sure to practice your “ask” beforehand. Go to a mentor or a sponsor, and inquire if they can take the time to help you prepare. Have them ask you questions and point out potential points of criticism, so you can address these before going to your boss. When you’re well-prepared, you’ll feel more confident in articulating your thoughts once you go into your superior’s office.
Take Note of Timing
Timing is a significant factor to consider when asking for a promotion. There’s no perfect time for it, but there are good times to go and talk with your boss. These usually happen after a significant victory for the team or the company. Some examples include finishing a big project or securing an important deal. However, don’t spend your time just waiting. Make sure to collect all the necessary documents and connect with your peers to make a strong case.
Plant and Nurture the Seed
Getting promoted can take time. Some people get promoted immediately while others can take weeks or months. The important thing is to plant the thought in your superior’s mind and follow up on it. Ask your boss what steps you can take in order to get promoted, do them, and then ask for feedback once a month or so on your progress. When you show effort and results, your superior is more likely to consider your requests and accept your case.
Asking to get promoted isn’t always easy, but it’s an important step in advancing your career. Put in the work, prepare well beforehand, and actively reach out for the promotion you deserve.
