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Most people would love to get a promotion at least once or twice. It’s not just an opportunity to earn more money. A promotion is also a chance to put your skills to the test and explore different challenges.  

You might even find that promotion helps you achieve your dream job, where you spend more time doing the things you enjoy and less time on repetitive tasks. 

Unfortunately, getting the promotion you deserve isn’t always as simple as it seems. You can wait patiently while putting in 110% daily and hoping someone notices. However, sometimes you’ll need to ask for the role you want.  

Here’s your guide to asking for a promotion (the right way).  

Decide What You Want Your New Position to Look Like 

Asking for a promotion isn’t the same as asking for a raise. You’re requesting a change to your day-to-day tasks and activities. In light of this, it’s essential to plan things out. Start by developing a clear vision of what you want your new role to look like before discussing any potential changes with your manager.  

For instance, are you looking for the chance to spend more time working with clients? If so, it can help to get examples of when you successfully communicated with clients. 

Ask About The Promotion Process 

Rather than just walking up to your boss and asking outright for a better job, it’s often better to start by getting an idea of the promotion process. Start a conversation with your superior about what it takes to get a promotion and what steps you’d need to take to get things moving.  

Starting an informal dialogue about the promotion process will give you some valuable information you can use later.  

For instance, you might discover that it’s not your manager that handles promotions but the team supervisor. You may also learn that you must complete specific training sessions before being considered for management or leadership roles.  

Research The New Position 

If you know the title of the new job you’re trying to get, the best thing you can do is research it. Do you have all the skills, characteristics, and education a person in this role needs?

Research will help determine whether you’re the perfect choice for the position or still need some work before getting promoted. If you want to fill the position of someone leaving your company, you can also talk to them about what you need to do to get the role. Check-in on what their daily activities involve so you can prepare. 

Create A Plan of Action With Your Manager 

Once you know what they expect of you and if you think you’re the right person for the job, speak to your manager. Outline your track record with tasks someone in the new position needs to handle.  

For instance, if you’re applying for a leadership role, you could draw attention to times you’ve acted as a leader in the past to benefit the company. 

Don’t Demand The Job 

Don’t just tell your employer you want and deserve the job; this could lead to a negative relationship. Instead, highlight your desire to move into the new position and explain how the promotion will benefit the business (not just you).  

Offer to take on additional training or shadow someone in your desired role. Show your willingness to make the transition work. 

Remember to Get the Timing Right 

Finally, try to get the timing of your request right. While finding the perfect time to ask for a promotion is often tricky, some moments are better than others. For example, if you’ve just received a fantastic performance review from your manager and he asks what you want to accomplish next, this is the perfect time to discuss your options regarding promotion.