How to Get a Job Promotion
Asking for a Promotion
I know you're thinking now is not the best time to ask for a promotion. Waiting out the recession can set your career back several years. If you ask at the wrong time and the wrong way, you're worried you may never get a promotion. It’s as if you've been dating the same girl for about a year and you want to take it to next level. However, you're scared that asking to move in will scare her away or you'll get rejected.
It's the same feeling many people get when asking for a pay raise or a promotion during a recession.
Pay raise or promotion?
Do you want a pay raise or a promotion? A pay raise is less likely than a promotion because companies are less likely to pay a person more for doing essentially the same job. Companies don't like to give one person a pay raise because that creates jealousy among employees who do not receive raises because of straight finances. Your best shot at a raise is to work for a promotion. A promotion justifies a pay raise for you without having to explain why others don't receive one.
Are you worth it?
Companies aren't likely to give promotions to a person who is not worth it. Not when they've slashed jobs. Even if you've survived the cuts, make sure you have a realistic understanding of your worth.
Help me help you
Getting a promotion is first and foremost about what you can do for them in a new role. You must make sure your recent achievements and skills match their desires in a new person at that position. It helps to feel out with questions what you can do better and do those things before you seek a promotion. Before you ask for a promotion, consider taking an Online Course or finding a way to expand your value to the company. If you want them to make a commitment to you, you must do the same.
Know your limits
Jumping up two levels may not be likely in this climate. Companies are less apt to add supervisors than they are to simply demand more of their current ones. aim for what you know is a reasonable expectation for promotion.
In the same vein, a $10,000 or even 10 percent raise may be asking too much. Companies are faced with greater expenses, increased healthcare costs and decreased revenue. In this climate, don't think about what's the raise you want, so much as what's fair for them to give you.
However, if you're an irreplaceable part of the group, then expect the full raise you deserve. Still, don't shoot it down if it's not as high as you imagined.
Ask at the right time
The best time to ask for a raise is at the end of a successful project or outstanding sales period. When you've done your best work is the time to ask for it. If you're coming off a slump or an even average period, it's best to hold off.
Avoid the personal
Don't talk about personal financial troubles or how much it'd help improve your finances. Employers want to know what you can do for them. Stay focused on your success and don't distract them from what you can do to benefit the company.
If they reject you, ask to negotiate a few extra benefits. If they give you the promotion, bring your A game to work every day. Don't ever make them second guess the investment they made in you.
