Onward and Upward: How to Ask for a Promotion

You know you want it. But do you deserve it? Asking for a promotion can be a challenge, to say the least. Telling your boss you want to move onward and upward can be intimidating and downright scary. You have to go into the conversation with a plan of attack. Try following these simple steps when asking for a step up at work.

Know Why You Deserve It

A promotion is not a gift. It's not typically handed out based on how long you've been with a company or how much you want it. Promotions are earned. They are based on tangible qualities and achievements. Be prepared to share the things that make you deserving of a promotion and be specific. If you've received some high quality compliments from clients, take note. If your work has resulted in increased sales, decreased costs, or improved employee morale, explain what you did and what kind of impact it had. Whenever possible, bring evidence. Sales reports and customer surveys are excellent visual aids.

A word of caution: don't ever expect that you deserve a promotion because you're bored or because you've been loyal to the company. These reasons are not compelling. Convince your boss by showing that you've made an impact on your current position and you have the ability and desire to do the same thing in another capacity. Show respect for your current position and share how much you've enjoyed it and learned from it. Try not to focus on why you want to leave what you're doing. Instead, focus on why you want to try something new.

Be Direct

Don't beat around the bush when asking for a promotion. Don't try to drop subtle hints thinking that your boss should pick up on it. Be straight forward and let him or her know when you feel ready to move onward and upward. Don't wait for the offer to be made. Many times, people assume that you're content if you don't say anything different. Share your goals with your boss and communicate your willingness to explore new opportunities.

Know What You Want

In many companies, you'll find a wide variety of career opportunities. Consider which ones you're interested in before discussing it with your boss. You don't want to get pushed into accepting a position you don't really want. A promotion should fit your needs as well as the company's. Be clear about what position you would like, and which position you'll accept. Remember that sometimes, you may have to take something that isn't necessarily ideal, just as a way to get your foot in the door. Don't be above that! It's a perfectly common thing in business. Many times, you will be asked to take on new responsibilities as a way of testing out your abilities. This may or may not include a pay raise. Carefully consider your goals and how what is being offered will help you reach them. If you need to take some time to think about it, do so. You should be under no pressure to make a snap decision. However, it definitely helps the negotiation process if you know what you're willing to accept before you start the conversation.

Express Yourself

Don't leave your boss in the dark. Share your goals and how you envision your career path. It's ok to also share financial goals and dreams. Tell your boss that you want to own a house in the next three years. Ask what you can do to help yourself achieve this goal. Remember that you and your boss are partners in this. Your success is the company's success. Make your definition of success clear and, most likely, your boss will help you achieve it. If not now, there will always be other opportunities for promotion. Don't get discouraged if the timing isn't right this time. With your career goals clearly verbalized, your boss will be on lookout to help you move onward and upward.