The Right Time to Ask for a Promotion
10 June 2010
Read by 1688 persons
You deserve that promotion but haven't gotten it? Be careful! It's not just about skills… it's also about timing.
Rest assured: there isn't one single opportunity that, if missed, irreversibly condemns you! But undeniably, some times are better than others to ask for a promotion.
You are in a strong position
You've just had a professional success: winning a big contract, doubling your business volume, exceeding your objectives? This success gives you weight and legitimacy to talk to your managers, without waiting for your annual performance review. Highlight your contribution and take the opportunity to ask for a promotion: "I've proven myself in this role, now I want more responsibility."
To avoid: Blackmail or threats: "If you don't give me what I want, I'll go to the competition."
You have some seniority
You should have at least two to three years of experience in your current position before applying for a promotion: this is the average frequency for internal job rotations in large companies. Don't put the cart before the horse: if you want to leave your job too quickly, you risk being labeled as chronically unstable.
Exception: You are in a start-up experiencing exponential growth. Dare, positions change quickly in this context.
You have identified the company's needs
Even if you are a good employee, your promotion is not automatic: it must be in line with the company's needs. Network with colleagues who can inform you about internal opportunities. It's better to ask for a promotion in a growing sector than in a declining one: but you need the right information to avoid the wrong target.
Caution: If your company is experiencing difficulties, be cautious. Your request, even perfectly legitimate, may be seen as a demand that is impossible to meet.
You have prepared the ground
For this type of request, it is best not to surprise your direct supervisor: if you are a good employee, they have an interest in keeping you in your position. Your request for a promotion may disrupt the smooth running of their department. To ensure their support, lay the groundwork several months, or even a year, in advance, during your annual review, by expressing your desire to progress. This gives them time to organize themselves.
Bonus: Improve your visibility within the company: you will more easily succeed if you are known to decision-makers.
Conclusion: If all the indicators described above are green, go for it!
Published May 20, 2010
Posted online June 10, 2010
monster
Rest assured: there isn't one single opportunity that, if missed, irreversibly condemns you! But undeniably, some times are better than others to ask for a promotion.
You are in a strong position
You've just had a professional success: winning a big contract, doubling your business volume, exceeding your objectives? This success gives you weight and legitimacy to talk to your managers, without waiting for your annual performance review. Highlight your contribution and take the opportunity to ask for a promotion: "I've proven myself in this role, now I want more responsibility."
To avoid: Blackmail or threats: "If you don't give me what I want, I'll go to the competition."
You have some seniority
You should have at least two to three years of experience in your current position before applying for a promotion: this is the average frequency for internal job rotations in large companies. Don't put the cart before the horse: if you want to leave your job too quickly, you risk being labeled as chronically unstable.
Exception: You are in a start-up experiencing exponential growth. Dare, positions change quickly in this context.
You have identified the company's needs
Even if you are a good employee, your promotion is not automatic: it must be in line with the company's needs. Network with colleagues who can inform you about internal opportunities. It's better to ask for a promotion in a growing sector than in a declining one: but you need the right information to avoid the wrong target.
Caution: If your company is experiencing difficulties, be cautious. Your request, even perfectly legitimate, may be seen as a demand that is impossible to meet.
You have prepared the ground
For this type of request, it is best not to surprise your direct supervisor: if you are a good employee, they have an interest in keeping you in your position. Your request for a promotion may disrupt the smooth running of their department. To ensure their support, lay the groundwork several months, or even a year, in advance, during your annual review, by expressing your desire to progress. This gives them time to organize themselves.
Bonus: Improve your visibility within the company: you will more easily succeed if you are known to decision-makers.
Conclusion: If all the indicators described above are green, go for it!
Published May 20, 2010
Posted online June 10, 2010
monster
