Feel like you’ve needed a promotion for quite a while now? Are you frustrated because it feels like your career growth has stalled? Dead-end jobs are stressful, but it’s hard to know whether you should buckle down and work on yourself in your current role or move to a new company. Here are a few tips to help you make the right choice.
First, Know Your Value
Probably the most important aspect in asking for a promotion is having the evidence and research to back up your claim. Doing your homework is important. No one is going to be able to argue your case better than yourself, so make sure you are prepared to support your claim that a promotion is appropriate. What successes have you accomplished? What would you be able to do for the company from this new position that you are not already currently doing? Show your managers how promoting you is a good investment for the company, and they will be more likely to consider the proposition.
Consider the Timing
If you are considering pushing for a promotion in your current position, consider the timing. While you are collecting information about your value within the company, also do a little research about how the company is doing. If business is booming and work is on an upswing, now would probably be a good time to talk with your manager about a promotion you’ve been working towards. However, if you find yourself pushing for a raise in the middle of layoffs, employers could take it as a sign that you are out of sync with the health of the company overall. And if it seems like the timing is never going to be right, it might be time to move to a company better positioned to help you grow.
Choose Your Words Carefully
Avoid challenging or accusatory language. When you are asking for a promotion, you should phrase it such that a supervisor will strive to work with you to achieve this mutual goal of a higher position within the company. Use words like “we” and emphasize your place within the company as that of a team player. That doesn’t mean taking one for the team when it comes to promotions though. Rather, you need to phrase the request in such a way that shows your value to the company to be higher in the new position than where you are now.
Dealing with Rejection
If you do muster up the courage to ask for more but are met with rejection – that’s ok too. But it is a good sign that it’s worth exploring other options. It’s possible you could move up faster by switching to t a new company. But also keep in mind that a lateral move can set you back if you’re not careful. Do your research about the company you are looking to join. It’s exciting and often refreshing to switch companies, but don’t do so out of spite. Be thoughtful about your move and be careful not to burn bridges. You never know what’s on the other side, but that’s part of the appeal. There is rarely anything gained without a certain amount of risk. Know what’s important to you, and make sure to take those values with you to the bargaining table.
Work With ESGI to Find Your Next Promotion
Are you stuck in a dead-end job and need a fresh start? Contact the team of recruiters at ESGI today to get started on that process.
