The word “promotion” is defined as the action of raising someone to a higher position or rank. For our purposes, a promotion consists of two key components, a title change which is accompanied by added responsibilities, as well as a salary increase, and if you are a living, breathing human then I can guarantee you have felt deserving of a promotion at one time or another. I can also imagine that you teetered on the line of asking for the promotion and may have ultimately decided against it. Know that the majority of us are inclined to play it safe and remain in our comfort zones as it is a basic principle of survival. For the same reason dogs bark at strangers passing their house, it is natural to let our fear outshine our courage. However, that doesn’t mean we can’t take back control. Challenges are crucial if we want to unleash our greatness and applying for a promotion at work is the perfect place to start!
Prior to asking for that promotion, determine what exactly you are trying to achieve. Are you simply looking for higher compensation while maintaining the same job title? Are you looking for growth within the company? Or are you looking for personal growth which may be satisfied in the form of obtaining a new certification or license? Keep in mind that regardless of your desires you must advocate for yourself to show why you may be deserving as opposed to your fellow coworkers or incoming applicants. What sets you apart? Once you build your case, ask for a meeting face-to-face. Thoroughly explain your point(s) and welcome the opportunity for feedback. If your request is not approved, try to settle on a plan of action for the future which will allow you to achieve the desired promotion. Perhaps they will give you a new goal to achieve or a more efficient way of doing what you do now which will provide you with a new, exciting challenge to overcome.
It has been proven that expressing interest in a promotion directly to your supervisor can greatly increase your chances of getting one, if not immediately than in the future. If you never express the desire to learn and grow, they may assume you are happy and have found balance doing what you do now, and aside from your annual bonus, you may never be presented with the opportunity for growth. At least 70% of our candidates are applying for new positions due to the desire for growth so know that it is natural and expected for you to want more. If you don’t advocate for yourself nobody will, and sometimes just doing the work isn’t enough. If you can’t find a door, build one.
Even if you love what you do it is natural to eventually feel stagnant or become complacent. Did you know that the top two reasons people leave their job include needing more of a challenge or needing a higher salary? If you have the opportunity, take it, because chances are if you don’t ask for the promotion now it may ultimately lead to your departure from the company. Think back to the time in your life when you overcame an obstacle like riding that rollercoaster at the fair or asking that cute girl to prom. I’m sure the words, “Wow, I regret doing that,” did not follow. The same applies to asking for a promotion. Remember that a company is highly more likely to promote within that hire an outside person, position depending. Besides saving time and money, they know that you are a great culture fit within the company.
We cannot stress enough that confidence is key, and you should feel confident in what you’re doing! You are just as deserving as the next guy (or girl) so don’t get caught up in self-doubt. For more information, please give us a call at (518) 275-4816.
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