After a while of working in one role for the same money, you might feel that it is time to ask for a promotion. This is even truer if you are happy to know that a spot is opening up in the department or at the level that you really want. Yet before you go to your boss to apply for or request more responsibility, make sure that you ask yourself some questions; you need to know you are ready to take the next step and that your employer will see you in that light too.
Have You Done More Than Is Expected?
Just because you have worked in a role for a long time, that doesn’t automatically qualify you for a promotion. In most cases, it is more about what you have done in that role rather than how long you have been doing it. This is why sometimes those who seem to only just have started with the company are promoted over those who have been there for decades; they are just doing more.
In order to be sure of a promotion, you will need to perform at your absolute best. You will need to show your employer and managers that you are doing what is asked of you, but then going above and beyond. This could mean training yourself in certain aspects of your role (or the role that you want) or making positive contributions in team meetings. It might mean coming up with useful feedback, such as suggesting your PCBs are made with CircuitStudio powered by Altium rather than the tech you are using right now. Suggesting ways your business can improve its practices will go a long way, especially if you suggest tools or methods that improve the efficiency of your product.
Do more than is expected and it will be easier to obtain the promotion you are looking for.
Have You Told Your Boss What You Have Done?
Working hard is a good thing, and doing more than your job role entails if you want a promotion is a good start, but it won’t help you at all if you don’t let your boss know about it. There is, of course, a fine line between boasting about your achievements and simply informing your boss that you have done well, so think carefully about how you are intending to present what you are doing to the relevant people.
The best way is to document what you are doing as you go. Once you have something to show, such as the fact that you saved money, for example, you can then present your findings in a meeting. Not only will this show that you are able to present in the first place, but it will impress your boss at the same time.
Are You Ready To Take On The Role?
If you want a promotion just for the money but you’re not ready or willing to take on the extra responsibilities needed to do the job well, then it won’t work out for you. It will be better, in this case, to stay in your current role and look around for another job that will pay you more outside of the company you are working for.
If you feel you are ready, then gather together all of your evidence and call a meeting with your employer to explain what you want and why you think it’s a good idea.
