Have you worked in the same role for several years? If you have developed a solid set of technical and leadership skills and business acumen, it may be time to make the best use of your talent with a promotion.
As many companies have challenges with leadership succession, especially in engineering and other technical areas, you will likely have a robust case to argue for moving up the career ladder.
If you’re wondering how to ask for a promotion in the most professional way possible, this guide will help you do the essential groundwork.
Assess Your Performance
Just as an organisation would approach a bid for more business, asking for a promotion is essentially a process of pitching yourself.
Reflect on your contributions, successful projects and areas where you have excelled. This will enable you to compile proof of your consistent dedication, exceptional skills, and the impact you have made within your organisation.
Gathering this evidence will allow you to prepare a portfolio that highlights your quantitative and qualitative achievements, which will serve as a compelling basis for your request.
Understand The Playing Field
Reflect on what type of promotion you’re angling for. Do you have your eye on a specific role that is already available, or are you keen to negotiate a new position?
To approach your Manager confidently, it helps to research and understand the organisational structure and the criteria for promotions within your company. It’s just as important to consider which avenues are available within the company. Consider any other stakeholders who may also be involved in granting you a promotion.
Familiarise yourself with the expectations for your desired role and identify the skills, qualifications, and experience necessary to excel in that position. This will enable you to align your aspirations and abilities with the company’s strategic objectives, showcasing your commitment to its success.
Aim for Good Timing
When asking for a promotion, timing matters. Aim to schedule the conversation when your Manager is likely receptive, considering their workload and availability.
Also, consider the broader context of your request. If the organisation is restructuring or a downturn, you should hold off on your request for a more opportune time. Think about how your promotion can help the company meet its short-term goals — if it is commercially viable, you will have a stronger case to argue.
Don’t forget to request the meeting with your Manager in advance to give ample time for a thoughtful discussion without rushing.
Prepare for the Conversation
Practical advice on how to ask for a promotion is incomplete without mentioning the mental preparation factor. Adopting a confident and positive mindset can play a big part in your success. After all, your dedication and contributions have earned you the right to discuss your desire for a promotion.
Once you’re in the meeting, a good way to start is by expressing gratitude for the opportunities you have had within the company so far and your commitment to its goals.
With the preamble made, you can move on to sharing your reflections on your past accomplishments and the value you have added to the business. The key is to give concrete examples of your ability to meet or exceed expectations consistently.
Highlight your development goals and how a promotion would align with your long-term career plans.
Examples of your talking points could include:
- Instances where you have gone above and beyond your designated responsibilities.
- How your skills and expertise have positively impacted projects, teams, and overall outcomes and;
- Your ability to tackle complex challenges, lead initiatives, and collaborate effectively with colleagues.
Have a Post-Conversation Plan
After presenting your case, invite your Manager’s input and feedback, regardless of the outcome of your request. Doing this will give you valuable guidance on how to proceed.
You may have to take additional steps to increase your chances of securing the promotion. In this scenario, ensure you establish clear expectations and a timeline with your Manager for reviewing your progress and reassessing your eligibility for the promotion.
Above all, remain open to constructive criticism and demonstrate your willingness to adapt and improve.
Take the Long View
When asking for a promotion, treat the initial conversation as the first in a series of discussions about your career progression. Patience and flexibility will go a long way, as your Manager might not be able to make an immediate decision.
Remember that being declined for a promotion is not the end of the road. What is today a ‘no’ may very well be a ‘not right now’, especially if external market forces affect the decision.
Don’t forget that you always have options beyond requesting a promotion. If the process has left you feeling undervalued, it may be worthwhile to look elsewhere for your ideal role.
Connecting with an Australian recruitment agency with strong connections in your industry can give you actionable information. Oil & gas recruitment specialists will have the most up-to-date and unbiased information on what employers are looking for in candidates and what salaries are currently available.
Summary
Knowing how to ask for a promotion is an important skill for your career development. While good employers will reward hard work, it’s not a given that you will be moved up the ladder automatically. Asking for a promotion can initiate the right conversation.
Pursuing a promotion can be a highly instructive experience. Should you find that your accomplishments may be better rewarded elsewhere, you might wish to engage the services of oil & gas recruitment professionals.
Here at Patch Personnel, we understand what makes engineers tick. As an established Australian recruitment agency, our industry expertise can help you make a wise career move. Contact us today to find out more.