Asking for a promotion in the US workplace
#1
Asking for a promotion in the US workplace
OK, so I want a promotion (upgrade one level with accompanying new grade salary). I've read what the bloke on the internet has to say about it. Any advice from people here?
Successes? Failures?
Email and then follow up with a meeting?
Spring it on the boss in a meeting?
What to always do?
What to never do?
Anything else?
Answers on a postcard please...
Successes? Failures?
Email and then follow up with a meeting?
Spring it on the boss in a meeting?
What to always do?
What to never do?
Anything else?
Answers on a postcard please...
#2
Re: Asking for a promotion in the US workplace
I bring it up at my one-to-ones with my boss. He keeps promising, but nothing ever happens.
Quite often they offer you a promotion once you hand in your notice. This happened to my and my colleagues at my last company.
Quite often they offer you a promotion once you hand in your notice. This happened to my and my colleagues at my last company.
#3
Re: Asking for a promotion in the US workplace
How do people make the case?
#4
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Joined: Feb 2004
Location: Midlands - MA - CO-CA
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Re: Asking for a promotion in the US workplace
You could list any of the tasks that you have done that someone at the higher grade level would be expected to do, and your competence at them. Is the person, if any, at that level expected to be promoted or leave soon? Have you ever stood in for them? If there is an annual review with the boss, then that may be the time to voice a desire for promotion, if the review goes well, otherwise wait until good things are happening with the company (boss in a good mood) and email asking for a face to face meeting.
#5
Re: Asking for a promotion in the US workplace
You could list any of the tasks that you have done that someone at the higher grade level would be expected to do, and your competence at them. Is the person, if any, at that level expected to be promoted or leave soon? Have you ever stood in for them? If there is an annual review with the boss, then that may be the time to voice a desire for promotion, if the review goes well, otherwise wait until good things are happening with the company (boss in a good mood) and email asking for a face to face meeting.
#6
Re: Asking for a promotion in the US workplace
OK, so I want a promotion (upgrade one level with accompanying new grade salary). I've read what the bloke on the internet has to say about it. Any advice from people here?
Successes? Failures?
Email and then follow up with a meeting?
Spring it on the boss in a meeting?
What to always do?
What to never do?
Anything else?
Answers on a postcard please...
Successes? Failures?
Email and then follow up with a meeting?
Spring it on the boss in a meeting?
What to always do?
What to never do?
Anything else?
Answers on a postcard please...
I think the culture of the company makes a huge difference as to what approach you should take.
It took me years to get where I am today in this company but I now make (literally) more than double what my starting salary was.
Some of the things that I think made all of the difference for me:
1. Dress for the job you want, not the job you have. I started really going out of my way to out-dress and out-groom management. So when the boss looked at me, the visual he got was of somebody more accomplished than those who were supposedly my superiors.
2. Start doing the more advanced work before you are actually being paid to do the work. Basically, I took the initiative before I had any promise of being rewarded. This is risky and, yes, I was taken advantage of for a couple of years before it paid off.
3. Let them know you are interested in more challenges (and money) before actually putting them on the spot. If you put them on the spot before they're ready to make a decision, or if they have something/somebody else in mind, the kneejerk reaction will always be "no". Plant the seed and later when they promote you they'll think that it was all their idea.
4. Do the things that nobody else is willing to do.
5. Play the long game. Strategery.
Last edited by Leslie; Jun 20th 2017 at 7:47 pm.
#7
Re: Asking for a promotion in the US workplace
I think the culture of the company makes a huge difference as to what approach you should take.
It took me years to get where I am today in this company but I now make (literally) more than double what my starting salary was.
Some of the things that I think made all of the difference for me:
1. Dress for the job you want, not the job you have. I started really going out of my way to out-dress and out-groom management. So when the boss looked at me, the visual he got was of somebody more accomplished than those who were supposedly my superiors.
2. Start doing the more advanced work before you are actually being paid to do the work. Basically, I took the initiative before I had any promise of being rewarded. This is risky and, yes, I was taken advantage of for a couple of years before it paid off.
3. Let them know you are interested in more challenges (and money) before actually putting them on the spot. If you put them on the spot before they're ready to make a decision, or if they have something/somebody else in mind, the kneejerk reaction will always be "no". Plant the seed and later when they promote you they'll think that it was all their idea.
4. Do the things that nobody else is willing to do.
5. Play the long game. Strategery.
It took me years to get where I am today in this company but I now make (literally) more than double what my starting salary was.
Some of the things that I think made all of the difference for me:
1. Dress for the job you want, not the job you have. I started really going out of my way to out-dress and out-groom management. So when the boss looked at me, the visual he got was of somebody more accomplished than those who were supposedly my superiors.
2. Start doing the more advanced work before you are actually being paid to do the work. Basically, I took the initiative before I had any promise of being rewarded. This is risky and, yes, I was taken advantage of for a couple of years before it paid off.
3. Let them know you are interested in more challenges (and money) before actually putting them on the spot. If you put them on the spot before they're ready to make a decision, or if they have something/somebody else in mind, the kneejerk reaction will always be "no". Plant the seed and later when they promote you they'll think that it was all their idea.
4. Do the things that nobody else is willing to do.
5. Play the long game. Strategery.
#8
Re: Asking for a promotion in the US workplace
I think the culture of the company makes a huge difference as to what approach you should take.
It took me years to get where I am today in this company but I now make (literally) more than double what my starting salary was.
Some of the things that I think made all of the difference for me:
1. Dress for the job you want, not the job you have. I started really going out of my way to out-dress and out-groom management. So when the boss looked at me, the visual he got was of somebody more accomplished than those who were supposedly my superiors.
2. Start doing the more advanced work before you are actually being paid to do the work. Basically, I took the initiative before I had any promise of being rewarded. This is risky and, yes, I was taken advantage of for a couple of years before it paid off.
3. Let them know you are interested in more challenges (and money) before actually putting them on the spot. If you put them on the spot before they're ready to make a decision, or if they have something/somebody else in mind, the kneejerk reaction will always be "no". Plant the seed and later when they promote you they'll think that it was all their idea.
4. Do the things that nobody else is willing to do.
5. Play the long game. Strategery.
It took me years to get where I am today in this company but I now make (literally) more than double what my starting salary was.
Some of the things that I think made all of the difference for me:
1. Dress for the job you want, not the job you have. I started really going out of my way to out-dress and out-groom management. So when the boss looked at me, the visual he got was of somebody more accomplished than those who were supposedly my superiors.
2. Start doing the more advanced work before you are actually being paid to do the work. Basically, I took the initiative before I had any promise of being rewarded. This is risky and, yes, I was taken advantage of for a couple of years before it paid off.
3. Let them know you are interested in more challenges (and money) before actually putting them on the spot. If you put them on the spot before they're ready to make a decision, or if they have something/somebody else in mind, the kneejerk reaction will always be "no". Plant the seed and later when they promote you they'll think that it was all their idea.
4. Do the things that nobody else is willing to do.
5. Play the long game. Strategery.
I have been playing that long game for a good while now, with the big break coming in 2013. This next jump is less difficult because I'm now in the head office and closer to the grade I want next, and an opportunity has presented itself due to other staff shifting around/leaving/getting fired, etc. I see a way to make my boss' life easier for her by stepping my grade up. It's a bit of a strike while the iron is hot moment.
#9
Re: Asking for a promotion in the US workplace
All good points.
I have been playing that long game for a good while now, with the big break coming in 2013. This next jump is less difficult because I'm now in the head office and closer to the grade I want next, and an opportunity has presented itself due to other staff shifting around/leaving/getting fired, etc. I see a way to make my boss' life easier for her by stepping my grade up. It's a bit of a strike while the iron is hot moment.
I have been playing that long game for a good while now, with the big break coming in 2013. This next jump is less difficult because I'm now in the head office and closer to the grade I want next, and an opportunity has presented itself due to other staff shifting around/leaving/getting fired, etc. I see a way to make my boss' life easier for her by stepping my grade up. It's a bit of a strike while the iron is hot moment.
Good luck! Even if you don't get this one, the next one will be yours.
#10
Re: Asking for a promotion in the US workplace
I think the culture of the company makes a huge difference as to what approach you should take.
It took me years to get where I am today in this company but I now make (literally) more than double what my starting salary was.
Some of the things that I think made all of the difference for me:
1. Dress for the job you want, not the job you have. I started really going out of my way to out-dress and out-groom management. So when the boss looked at me, the visual he got was of somebody more accomplished than those who were supposedly my superiors.
2. Start doing the more advanced work before you are actually being paid to do the work. Basically, I took the initiative before I had any promise of being rewarded. This is risky and, yes, I was taken advantage of for a couple of years before it paid off.
3. Let them know you are interested in more challenges (and money) before actually putting them on the spot. If you put them on the spot before they're ready to make a decision, or if they have something/somebody else in mind, the kneejerk reaction will always be "no". Plant the seed and later when they promote you they'll think that it was all their idea.
4. Do the things that nobody else is willing to do.
5. Play the long game. Strategery.
It took me years to get where I am today in this company but I now make (literally) more than double what my starting salary was.
Some of the things that I think made all of the difference for me:
1. Dress for the job you want, not the job you have. I started really going out of my way to out-dress and out-groom management. So when the boss looked at me, the visual he got was of somebody more accomplished than those who were supposedly my superiors.
2. Start doing the more advanced work before you are actually being paid to do the work. Basically, I took the initiative before I had any promise of being rewarded. This is risky and, yes, I was taken advantage of for a couple of years before it paid off.
3. Let them know you are interested in more challenges (and money) before actually putting them on the spot. If you put them on the spot before they're ready to make a decision, or if they have something/somebody else in mind, the kneejerk reaction will always be "no". Plant the seed and later when they promote you they'll think that it was all their idea.
4. Do the things that nobody else is willing to do.
5. Play the long game. Strategery.
I know at one time I was doing the job of about 5 people , including my previous manager that they had laid off. I got little recognition for the extra work. A lot depends on your boss and if there are budget constraints. If he is bonused on keeping under budget it will be a tough journey.
#11
Re: Asking for a promotion in the US workplace
This is good advice, but unfortunately some companies will thank you for your work, but take advantage of you doing extra work for free.
I know at one time I was doing the job of about 5 people , including my previous manager that they had laid off. I got little recognition for the extra work. A lot depends on your boss and if there are budget constraints. If he is bonused on keeping under budget it will be a tough journey.
I know at one time I was doing the job of about 5 people , including my previous manager that they had laid off. I got little recognition for the extra work. A lot depends on your boss and if there are budget constraints. If he is bonused on keeping under budget it will be a tough journey.
I also didn't view it as doing anything for free. I was being paid to be there for 40 hours per week. I used my 40 hours differently than others and rose above all of the other 15 people in my particular position. Many of them had been there a lot longer than me. As I said above, it is risky and you could get taken advantage of, I've seen it in other companies. Ultimately the only true risk/cost is the extra effort that you chose to put in.
#12
Re: Asking for a promotion in the US workplace
I think that people have to be smart enough to figure out the culture of the company and adapt themselves accordingly. I figured out early that the "that's not my job" people never got anywhere in this particular company.
I also didn't view it as doing anything for free. I was being paid to be there for 40 hours per week. I used my 40 hours differently than others and rose above all of the other 15 people in my particular position. Many of them had been there a lot longer than me. As I said above, it is risky and you could get taken advantage of, I've seen it in other companies. Ultimately the only true risk/cost is the extra effort that you chose to put in.
I also didn't view it as doing anything for free. I was being paid to be there for 40 hours per week. I used my 40 hours differently than others and rose above all of the other 15 people in my particular position. Many of them had been there a lot longer than me. As I said above, it is risky and you could get taken advantage of, I've seen it in other companies. Ultimately the only true risk/cost is the extra effort that you chose to put in.
#13
Account Closed
Joined: Aug 2002
Location: Kentucky
Posts: 38,865
Re: Asking for a promotion in the US workplace
Something I've always kept in the back of my mind... no matter what your day-to-day responsibilities are, your real job is to make your boss look good! That's worked out pretty well for me!
Ian
Ian
#14
Re: Asking for a promotion in the US workplace
So YMMV depending on the work environment.
At the end of the day, just try and enjoy your work environment. If you enjoy it, you will probably work harder and have potential for a promotion. Also sometimes it's better not to have the responsibilities that go with rank.
Last edited by mrken30; Jun 21st 2017 at 1:22 am.
#15
Re: Asking for a promotion in the US workplace
J-
Some more thoughts.
Try to figure out why you haven't already been offered the job. Think of it from the point of view of your boss. Not to get too esoteric but --- Sometimes you have to put yourself inside their head. Is it about budget, or maybe your boss is a procrastinator, maybe she likes you in your current position etc etc.
One of the women I work with has made her way up by swallowing up other positions. Several times, when somebody leaves or moves elsewhere in the company, she has taken over their work for big money but yet it's still less than what it would cost them to hire somebody. Of course, this is all laughable because, before she started doing that, we all knew they did **** all. Your mileage may vary.
FWIW - I like the idea of a semi-formal email. The one that I sent, when I got turned down , was really more like a job application or a pitch for the job. I didn't get too wordy but I went into detail about why I was qualified blah blah blah. It is a completely acceptable format in this age and I think it gives both parties a graceful way to escape any awkwardness.
Some more thoughts.
Try to figure out why you haven't already been offered the job. Think of it from the point of view of your boss. Not to get too esoteric but --- Sometimes you have to put yourself inside their head. Is it about budget, or maybe your boss is a procrastinator, maybe she likes you in your current position etc etc.
One of the women I work with has made her way up by swallowing up other positions. Several times, when somebody leaves or moves elsewhere in the company, she has taken over their work for big money but yet it's still less than what it would cost them to hire somebody. Of course, this is all laughable because, before she started doing that, we all knew they did **** all. Your mileage may vary.
FWIW - I like the idea of a semi-formal email. The one that I sent, when I got turned down , was really more like a job application or a pitch for the job. I didn't get too wordy but I went into detail about why I was qualified blah blah blah. It is a completely acceptable format in this age and I think it gives both parties a graceful way to escape any awkwardness.