How should you handle asking your boss for a promotion?

No matter how good your working relationship is with your manager, asking for a promotion will need careful preparation and strategy. 

Prep is key, because in this scenario, you need to make a bullet-proof case for why you should be given more responsibility––and money. Asking off the cuff will make it far easier for your boss to say no, leaving you high and dry, and most likely unable to ask again for at least six months.

So what should you do to make sure you’re giving yourself the very best chance of getting exactly what you want?

Do your research

Firstly, look at the environment within the company for promotions. Does the company have a policy around internal promotions or are external candidates often prioritised?

If it is the latter, explore what external candidates bring that internal candidates are perceived to lack. If it is the former, what criteria does leadership typically consider for promotions at your company? There could be particular certifications you may need to achieve, for example.

Before you ask for a promotion, explore if there are any open positions that you’re interested in, and research the salary range and responsibilities associated with the job. If there aren’t any open roles, can you make the case to create a new job title? For example, in the face of growing AI adoption, this can present opportunities.

Schedule a meeting

Next, request a one-on-one meeting with your manager to discuss your career development, and express your desire for advancement within the company. Explain why you’re interested in a promotion and how this aligns with your long-term career goals.

Explain what you’ll bring to the table, too. Articulate your accomplishments and the value you’ve already brought to the team and the company. Be specific, provide examples, and underscore how your skills and contributions align with the requirements of your desired promotion.

Set expectations

You may have a view about what will be required of you in a new role, but you need to be on the same page as your manager. So look to understand the responsibilities, expectations, and potential challenges associated with this promotion.

You may also need to negotiate around salary and benefits. According to a Korn Ferry report, 37% of firms handed out “dry promotions” last year. This equates to a new job title with more responsibilities but no extra money, so it’s important that you and your boss both see this advancement in the same way.

Be patient, and follow up

The decision-making process can take some time, so while you should ask for a general timeline, there is nothing to be gained from pressuring your manager. Be patient, and when the decision comes, aim to respect their decision.

If it is a no, you can ask to revisit the conversation at a later time.

Move on

If you’ve asked for a promotion and been unsuccessful, then you can also consider looking for a new job. This can be your best opportunity to not only get the title you want, but it can increase your earning potential significantly too.

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AWS Software Developer, PostNL, Den Haag

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You’ll have an automation-first mentality, will guide less experienced team members and transport the application to different environments, and build, test and execute. You should have a curious attitude: you want and can delve deeper into management and operational aspects, as well as scripting and coding.

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