Asking for a promotion isn’t easy, but it’s essential if you want to get ahead. Making one of these common mistakes, though, could tank your chances for success. When asking for a promotion, here’s what NOT to do.
1. Waiting to Be Noticed
You might think it would be easier to ask for a promotion right after your manager notices how brilliant you are. But in the real world, that could mean waiting forever. Unfortunately, bosses are busy people, and they often don’t put much thought into exactly what their employees are doing. And even if your supervisor does notice your hard work, how is she supposed to know that you want to move up?
Instead of waiting around, tell your boss what you want. Have a goal in mind, whether it’s a specific new position or a more general “higher level of responsibility.” Then ask your manager what you need to do to make that happen.
2. Hiding in the Shadows
If you’re an introvert or just not good at self-promotion, you may be flying under the radar at work. When you do something good for the company, let your supervisor know. Maybe you blew through your production goals or started a safety initiative, or found a way to save time. Whatever it is, tell your boss when it happens. That way, your request for a promotion won’t come out of left field.
3. Relying on Email
A few things in the modern work world demand face-to-face conversation. And asking for a promotion is high on that list. You want to have a conversation where you lay out your case, receive feedback, and negotiate. Body language and facial expressions matter, as does the ability to communicate in real-time. So use that email to ask for a meeting instead.
4. Being Unprepared
Unless you’re in a position that comes with automatic promotions, you will need to convince your boss that you deserve one. This means building a strong case with compelling arguments and hard data. Before you ask for the meeting, sit down and review what you’ve accomplished. Turn each achievement into a benefit for the company, and be ready with the numbers to prove it.
5. Forgetting to Rehearse
Selling your accomplishments can be tough, especially if you’re not a natural salesperson. Rehearse your conversation with a friend or family member who will take on the role of supervisor and ask the tough questions. You don’t want to memorize a script, but you want to become comfortable talking about yourself and coping with questions and challenges.
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