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While asking for a promotion can be very stressful and intimidating, it can be one of the most important things you could ever do for your career. If you wish to 'climb the ladder'? so to speak in your career, asking for a promotion is something you're most likely going to have to do. Here are a few tips to help you take that big step so that you're ready for the most important conversation you'll ever start with your supervisor.
When you finally ask your supervisor for a promotion, you need to prove to them that you are ready to take the next step in your career. To prepare for this, take the time to jot down a list of all the things you've accomplished so that you can bring them up when you have your meeting. Include anything that proves you've gone above and beyond what was expected of you. Once you've got a few items on your list, it's time to decide which position you're interested in and why you're now ready for it. Whatever position you're aiming for, become familiar with the specific job description so that you'll be able to explain exactly how you will be able to fulfill those requirements.
While you could ask for a promotion at any time, the most logical time to pose the question is during your semi-annual or annual review. This is because you and your supervisor will be spending time during your review discussing how you've been performing your job and where your career path is going, making it the perfect time to pop the question.
You also could ask for a promotion during a time when other employees are moving up through the ranks or when your company is making some departmental changes. These are both opportune times to ask your boss if he or she can see you taking on a new role as the company repositions itself.
Do not let the weakened state of the economy stop you from asking for a promotion. During tough economic times, employers value their employees more than ever and they want to retain their best performers. Even though you may not end up with a huge salary increase when promoted during a low point in the economy, you'll be given more responsibilities. Hopefully the next time your review comes around, your manager will see that you've proven your worth wherein you'll be rewarded financially for shining on the job.
It's important that you know how much money you're worth before you ask for more. There are many resources online which can help you find out what your salary should be for the position you're shooting for. When the big day arrives and you're ready to ask for that promotion, it never hurts to ask for more money than what the average person who holds the position you want gets. Remember that your employer is not going to offer you more than what you're worth so don't be afraid to ask for more than you're expecting to receive.
Once you've delivered your pitch to your boss, all you can do is wait for those in charge to make their decision. If you do end up getting the promotion, then great! It's time to celebrate! But if you're passed over for the promotion you've been aiming for, it's not the end of the world. Look at it as a learning opportunity that provides you with the incentive to achieve more on the job so that you're deserving of a promotion in the future.
