How to Ask for a Promotion

Asking for a promotion is probably one of your worst nightmares, only for the fear of a negative outcome. When with colleagues, it is easy to say 'if I don't get the raise I'm quitting', but when you actually walk into that cabin, you know your hands are shivering and your mind is racing with all the things that you want to, and ought to say. However, if you think and believe that you truly deserve a raise and a promotion, the only way you're going to get it is by asking. A lot of employers tend to ignore this fact until they are approached by an employee for the same. So if you are one of those employees who unfortunately won't get a raise without asking for it, here's how to ask for a promotion.

Asking for the Promotion You Deserve

Whether it's time to ask for a raise or not, keeping your eyes and ears open to understand exactly what is going on in your organization is very important. You simply cannot miss out on any little detail that may help you when you decide that asking for a raise is now appropriate. For instance, if there is a change in the organizational structure of your firm, which means they are going to be hiring more people, understand that there is going to be an additional requirement for managers to manage these employees. So who is going to step up and volunteer to take responsibility? Who is going to let the employer know that with all your years of service, you are ready to shoulder the responsibility of an entire team? Only you. Also, keep in mind that you don't just want a salary hike, you want a higher position too. Here are some tips to help you in the process.

Be Prepared
The key to asking for a promotion is to be prepared for all that the new position demands. For this, you have to prove your worth to the organization, and show them how much you can handle. If you are a good multitasker, prove this by your work. Allow your work to speak for you, so that when you go in to ask for a promotion, they know they simply can't say no! It is only when you have proven yourself can you attempt any form of salary negotiation. Further, before you go in and put forth your request, ensure that you have found out the current salary range of the position you are asking for. You cannot go and quote any random figures. You have to know your worth and then demand it.

Ensure Your Employer is Prepared
Now you know your worth, but do you know your employer's worth? The economic slump is the biggest reason that your company is going to cite as an excuse for avoiding the promotion. However, as mentioned earlier, when you are charting out your plan to ask for a raise, you have to keep your eyes and ears open for news about any development in the organization. Any financial growth should be made note of, and you should be aware of all the profits your company is making. So if they put forward that excuse, you can diplomatically explain that with the financial growth the company is experiencing, there is no reason why they would not want to invest a little and retain an employee worth every penny.

Time it Right
Timing is of utmost importance when you wish to ask for a promotion. You are performing well, you can see that the company is doing well financially, and you are aware that it is planning to expand its function and services. It's then time to seek an appointment with your boss, and put forth your proposal. Now, the key to getting that desirable promotion is to be diplomatic. Playing with your words is an art, but one that you will necessarily have to master if you want to experience a positive career development. The idea is to sell yourself, not force your employer to promote you. When you have understood your worth, explain to your employer why you are a good candidate for that position. Have records to back you up on the fact that you are ready and capable of handling all the work that this new position demands. Be open to negotiation in terms of your salary, and don't sound like you are a big boon to the organization, and that without you, the place will never function. Remember, there are tons of people out there who are as (and perhaps, more) competent than you for this job. Brush up on some negotiation skills before you go in there. Also don't make it sound like there are tons of employers waiting to hire you. Just suggest that it's time you started doing what you and your employer both know, you are capable of.

Be Prepared for the Result
You put forth your request as aptly as you could, and now it's time for the response. Consider what you will do if the response is negative. Will you quit or will you persist? The ultimate decision is yours. We all know that job satisfaction is extremely important, but is just that enough? However, if you do get a negative response, don't threaten to leave. A threat is never well-received and can only put off any future promotion plans. Simply state that you are aware of your capabilities and that it will unfortunately not be possible to continue without a raise. Now it is also a possibility that you may just get what you were asking for. Don't just think in the negative, be positive. You know you're worth it. There is no reason your employer should let go of an employee when she/he knows what you are capable of.

The best way to ask for a promotion is to be open yet diplomatic in your manner of asking. The verbal method is definitely a better choice than asking for a promotion in writing. Don't ever catch your employer off guard when you ask for a promotion. Set up a proper meeting before you do (just slightly indicate what it is about, don't express it openly else it may never happen).

Just go ahead and make the most of the opportunity presented before you. Rehearse your conversation with your boss, and take the plunge. If you don't, you know you'll regret it in the future. Good luck!