The time has come. You’ve been in your job a while and have achieved a level of skill and proficiency that makes you think it could be time to level up. Congratulations! You’ve even built up the courage to schedule a meeting with your manager to ask for one. That’s fantastic! But before you go in and ask for a new title, take a moment to review this list of things you should NOT do when asking for a promotion. 

• Assuming your manager knows why you think you deserve the new job. Sadly, managers and people in a position to grant promotions are often too busy to keep track of the day-to-day operations and goings-on in an office. If you walk into that meeting assuming your manager is well aware of all you’ve done and accomplished, it’ll be like expecting a tourist in your city to know, automatically and without asking, the best place to get a burger or excellent vegan food. Be prepared to talk yourself up and explain why you’ve earned the opportunity. 

• Making an emotional appeal. Managers want bottom lines, facts and figures, concrete proof of things succeeding or, sadly, failing. If you’re ready to ask for a promotion, go in with numbers: how much have you accomplished? What changes have you made and how have they improved your job and that of those around you? How many projects have you led and how successful were they? Don’t start with a plea of loyalty and having put in your time and being deserving of this opportunity; show that you’ve earned it by backing up your hard work with hard data. 

• Don’t forget to practice. Before the meeting, run through your argument with someone. It could be a friend; a colleague might be better because they might have a good understanding of what the manager is looking for or what might not work so well. Practice your statements, spell out your case and then listen to the feedback. Take those notes and improve your pitch — you’re kind of selling yourself to earn this new job and you want to be convincing and solid in your points. 

• Don’t assume you’re in line for it. If you want something in life, you have to ask for it. You have to let people know you’re interested. You have to speak up and be ready to say why. You can’t just think, because you’ve been in your position for a certain amount of time, or because you might be “next in line,” that it’s yours for the taking. Make your intentions and interests clear.
• But don’t go overboard in your arguing for it. Nothing is guaranteed. If you decide to put in for the promotion and have a conversation with your manager about it, spell out clearly and definitively why you think you’ve earned the opportunity. Don’t be braggy or boastful about it; leave your ego at the door. Be honest, back up your arguments for why you think you’ve earned it, and be grateful for being considered. Don’t presume it’s yours before anything is official because it could leave a very bad impression if things go a different way — or even if you get it.  If you earn it, be gracious; if you don’t, be appreciative. 

Promotions are a way for managers to reward and elevate people who have proven their worth to their company. It’s a way to honor someone’s hard work and dedication. But you need to show why you deserve it. Good luck! 

If by chance things don’t go the way you want, or if you’d like more advice on how to advance your career, call Davis Staffing. Our recruiters are happy to review your resume and provide pointers and, if needed, we can help you find a great new position you feel is on par with your experience. Contact Davis Staffing today!