Nobody wants to be stuck in the same place at work forever, and it’s simply human nature to want to move upwards, to progress, and to be rewarded for your hard work. Unfortunately however, a lot of the time it’s down to the person to ask for that reward, rather than it being given freely.
For most of us, bigging ourselves up isn’t the most natural thing in the world, and it’s totally normal to feel a bit awkward or nervous about asking for the big promotion. Like anything in life, it’s down to research and preparation, as well as faking confidence if you need it.
Here’s a few tips.
Do your research
You need to look closely into the responsibilities and tasks that the next job upwards would entail, and familiarise yourself with them as much as possible. You need to prove to your boss that you can handle it, that you know baseline knowledge already, and that you’re up to the task.
Make a formal case
Put something in writing, bullet-point exactly why you think you are suited for the job, why you believe you deserve a promotion, and the advantages to the company in your suggestion. Sell yourself! You need to get your boss to believe it, so make sure you believe it first! You could also put in place a slowly, slowly approach, such as asking for more responsibilities on a more gradual basis, giving your boss time to see that you can do it, time to prove yourself.
Ask for a formal meeting
This isn’t something you can do simply by chatting in the corridor on the way to the kitchen, you need to arrange a formal, sit down meeting with your boss, and it needs to be at a convenient time for you both. Contact your boss’ secretary and book in a time to talk, make sure you drop them an email to give them a head’s up on what your meeting is about, so you give them time to prepare.
Be brave!
If you have to fake confidence, do it! You need to be self-assured and make your boss believe that you are without doubt the person for the job, and that you deserve that step upwards. Despite that, there is a fine line between confidence and arrogance, so make sure you tread that line carefully; nobody likes a bolshy worker!
Follow up your conversation
It may be that your boss needs time to consider your proposal and this is totally acceptable. Don’t be disheartened if you don’t get the answer you’re wanting straight away, it’s a waiting game a lot of the time, so instead gracefully accept the fact they need to probably discuss with those above, and follow up your meeting in a week or so’s time.
Believing in yourself is the first step to getting the promotion you deserve, however always be realistic in your aims, and retain your humility at all times when asking for the step up.