Sometimes the opportunity isn’t there, other times managers love having people who are so capable in their roles that they don’t think that the individual needs a new challenge. You will need to spell it out.
How to bring it up
Sure, it’s nerve wracking to bring it up, but your boss will want to know your ambitions. They want to retain good staff so it’s in your best interest and theirs to raise the topic.
You can either wait until an official review or schedule a formal meeting with your boss. Never just ‘bring it up’ – your boss needs a chance to prepare.
The Meeting
Approach the meeting as you would a job interview. Because that’s what it is. You are applying to your boss for a new job. Now it’s a bit less daunting than when you first went to the position. You know you work well and your boss does too – but your goal is the same – to convince your boss that you deserve something you don’t have yet.
Prove it
You need to prove to your boss that you deserve the promotion.
Write out your achievements over your time in the role – Just like you would when preparing your resume for a job application.
Quantitative Analysis – Facts and figures, details of training programs completed and any other verifiable bits of information must be presented. You want to show just how important you are to the company and why you deserve to do more.
Additional Work – List everything you do that is above and beyond your position description and how this correlates to the promotion.
The role – Highlight the role you want and what skills you have that you are not currently using that would be put to use in this role. Identify examples why you would be the best candidate. Discuss who could take on your role after you are promoted, display that you have an interest in the company progressing current staff.
Something to remember
If there is not a direct promotion vacancy, your company may not have the ability to create a new role for you to progress into, however they will be proactive in extending your current role. By getting more responsibility in your current role, you will be the best placed person to take on a higher position when it becomes available.
