So you want a promotion then?

It has its benefits and its pitfalls. This article will look at some with these along with the methods you can use to successfully get that promotion!

Deciding what you want to do
There's no sense in going for a promotion just for the hell of it.

It will mean a lot more responsibility and doesn't necessarily come with added financial benefits.

In order to successfully get a promotion you must have a good idea of what you want to achieve. This will be your main selling point when pitching you boss (after all they aren't going to promote you into a role you will be unhappy in).

When you have decided what you want to do, put it into a context that can fit into the culture and aims of your employers business. There is no point deciding that you want to be a rocket scientist when you work for a bakery! Again, your boss won't promote you if your ultimate career goal is out with the scopes of their business.

After this all that remains is to prepare your pitch!

Selling yourself
When you finally pitch your boss, you need to know what to say.

You have already worked how your career aims can fit into the company, so firstly work out a list of skills that you can offer your new role and relate them to how they would fill a gap and benefit the company.

Your boss knows the score and if you can justify a new position then the chances of it happening are far greater (especially if it reflects well on his department or division!).

Next you have to review your own work performance. Is their anything you can do to improve your performance in your current job? Have you been going that extra mile to get things done or doing more than what is asked for you?

Your boss is not going to promote an employee who drifts through their job all day. If you have been doing overtime, putting in extra effort, offer suggestions or help out in another way that isn't required of you, then you stand a much better chance.

When preparing your personal selling points, you not only want to highlight the skills you use in your current job, but also highlight your untapped skills. Your employer is much more likely to promote you if he or she thinks that they will get more value out of you.

Next »

Written by Scott Boyd, Founder of www.jobseekersadvice.com
Free Career Advice for jobseekers