We know that asking for a promotion can be awkward. Discussing your career with your manager puts you in a vulnerable position, according to Sabina Nawaz, Global CEO Coach, as your manager is likely evaluating every decision you make at the company. And, as Nawaz notes, you are either deemed deserving of advancement in your career or not.
At Fellow, we recognize that these conversions come with a great deal of pressure. To ensure that your discussion goes as smoothly as possible, we are about to share with you 6 tips, a few sample questions to ask, and a meeting template to use.
- Know your options. …
- Review the qualifications. …
- Establish your competitive edge. …
- Make a list of questions. …
- Ask for a meeting. …
- Share your ideas. …
- Receive feedback. …
- Ask your questions.
How to talk to your boss about career advancement
To prepare for and conduct a conversation with your boss about advancing your career, take the following actions:
1. Know your options
Review the organization’s hierarchy and available positions before requesting a meeting with your boss to discuss career advancement opportunities to determine where a logical next step for you might be. Before the meeting, you should have a clear idea of the next step you want to take with the organization.
2. Review the qualifications
Make a list of the requirements for the position you want to move into and a corresponding list of your present skills and abilities. Make a note of any areas where you might need to get more training or professional development before or during the transition.
3. Establish your competitive edge
Identify your unique selling point or selling points. You are the best candidate for the new position based on this skill, ability, knowledge, or accomplishment when compared to other employees of the company and potential outside hires. Make a list of all the factors that will increase your likelihood of being hired for the position and present it to your boss at your career advancement meeting.
4. Make a list of questions
Promotions within an organization frequently take a different path than conventional external job searching. Make a list of inquiries you have about the internal promotion process at your company, such as how to evaluate pay and benefits, how long it takes to move from one role to another, and any other inquiries you may have.
5. Ask for a meeting
Once you feel confident enough to request what you want and are aware of the right questions to ask, approach your manager and request a formal meeting to go over your opportunities for career advancement. You can do so verbally, on the phone, or by email.
6. Share your ideas
You should get ready to take the initiative since you requested the meeting. Prepare an opening pitch and begin the meeting by discussing the position you hope to advance and why you are a qualified candidate.
7. Receive feedback
Your manager will probably provide you with feedback on your proposal after you’ve shared your ideas. Take notes, pay close attention to what they say, and participate in the conversation with them. Give them more details about your immediate and long-term professional objectives so they can understand what you’re aiming to achieve.
8. Ask your questions
Make sure you ask your questions before ending the meeting. It is frequently helpful to bring a pad of paper and a pen to the meeting so you can take notes, write down questions, and write up a summary of the discussion once it is over because you may have additional questions as the meeting goes on.
9. Follow up
Spend some time following up with your manager after your meeting in the following few days. If your manager decided you were ready for a promotion or to take on a new role, you might have additional questions to ask or you might want to inquire about the next steps.
Why is it important to ask about career advancement?
There are a number of reasons why it’s crucial to enquire about career advancement opportunities within your company, including:
Tips for advancing in your career
Utilize the following advice to maximize your output and performance in preparation for upcoming promotions and advancements:
Keep track of your accomplishments
When you’re ready to advance, managers or bosses frequently inquire as to why you believe you’re the best candidate for the position. Prepare a list of your accomplishments to share to demonstrate why you are the best choice.
Know your companys goals
Your employer probably wants you to succeed, but they also want the business to succeed. Be aware of the short- and long-term goals of your company, and link your professional advancement to that of the business as a whole.
Engage in professional development
Make professional development a consistent part of your work. You’ll get promotions and better opportunities if you keep learning and developing your skills.
Stay organized
Keep your work organized. Employers who are not only excellent at their jobs but also capable of keeping their work and workspace tidy, clean, and organized are frequently given promotions.
Develop your network
Dedicate time to developing and growing your professional network. It’s a good idea to have a variety of connections you can work with if you want to move to a different organization, even though many people look internally for career development opportunities.
Balance your work and your life
People who make the effort to strike a balance between work and personal interests and family time are frequently happier and more productive at work because they suffer from less burnout. Make sure youre balancing all areas of your life.
Focus on leadership
Most of the time, as you move up the organizational ladder, your leadership responsibilities increase. Make sure you’re developing your leadership abilities and taking advantage of opportunities in your current position to showcase your managerial or supervisory skills.
Talk To Your Boss About Growing Your Career
FAQ
How do you discuss your career progression with your boss?
- Take Ownership. It’s your career. …
- Prepare. …
- Connect With Your Manager. …
- Describe Your Personal Vision. …
- Ask for What You Want. …
- Develop Your Own Strategy. …
- Get Your Manager’s Sponsorship and Support.
How do I ask for career development opportunities?
- Ask for a meeting. Career development cannot be a topic of casual conversation.
- Give yourself time to prepare. Make sure you are clear on what you hope to gain from the discussion.
- Ask your manager for ideas. …
- Avoid being confrontational. …
- Act independently.
How do I talk to my boss about future opportunities?
- Decide what your goals are. …
- Research opportunities for career growth at your job. …
- Be confident in your value as an employee. …
- Ask for advice and opinions. …
- Schedule a meeting. …
- Rehearse the conversation. …
- Keep notes.
How do you ask a manager for career development?
Request feedback from your boss regarding your strengths and potential growth areas. Talk about their long-term objectives for the business, the team, and you. Inquire about the company’s future plans for you and whether there is room for advancement.
