When--and How--To Ask
Annual performance reviews are obvious times to request
a promotion, but don’t wait--especially if your company
isn’t known for timely reviews. Look for other good opportunities:
when there’s an opening at the next level, at your anniversary,
or whenever you feel prepared and confident.
Sit down with your supervisor and pull out your roadmap and
list of accomplishments. “As you know,” you might
begin, “I’ve been working hard to prepare myself
for advancement. I’ve used this list of objectives as
a guide, and I believe I’ve fulfilled what was set out
for me.”
Hand the completed list to your boss saying, “Based
on these items, is it realistic to expect a promotion any
time in the near future?”
Once your boss has reviewed your materials, she’ll either
agree and promote you on the spot or give you a more vague
answer. If the latter occurs, ask for specifics--what precisely
you need to do to merit the promotion you desire. Once you
have a clear understanding of what it will take to earn a
promotion, ask to make an appointment to discuss the matter
again in three months.
If you fulfill the new set of requirements and still get
put off, talk with the human resources department. Maybe there’s
an opening at a higher level in another department. Maybe
they have the ability to intercede on your behalf. Or maybe
they know of another reason--a hiring freeze, a potential
downsizing--that has inhibited your supervisor’s ability
to promote you.
If after working diligently, you still haven’t received
the promotion you feel you deserve, it may be time to investigate
changing
jobs.
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