How do you prepare to ask for a promotion?

[riverwed070707]

I'm full of questions today.

I've been wanting to do this for well over a year and every time I build myself up about it, I get nervous and wuss out. I want to be really prepared, and I think the problem is I don't know how to ask.

Any tips?

Background on why I think I deserve this is that I was hired as the backup to my current position. Predasessor left 7 months after I started and for the last 2.5 years I've been doing her job plus mine for the same pay as when I started. Predasessor made about 3x what I do, and while I don't necessarily have experience that would be required for the position if they were to hire it out, I'm already doing the job and doing it well. I were to leave and they brought in someone new, they would have to pay at least 15-30% more than what I make to get someone with the experience level they desire. And, at that level, I think they would be hard pressed to find somone who would do the big and small aspects of the job (meaning they wouldn't want the work that would normally be done by the assistant).

Anyway, I just find it difficult to say "I love my job and I know I'm already doing it for less, but I think I deserve more". Help.

[tripods68]

I think you should fight for what you want. When discussing promotion with your boss you should be confident and prepare to discuss your accomplishments, the value you bring to the organization, and what task completed that prepared you for the promotion. Practicing in the mirror helps a lot, I mean really. Good luck!

[krantcents]

Besides what you described, I would find 3-6 or more accomplishments during this period. That should give you confidence when you talk to your boss. In addition, I would try to find out salary ranges (compensation) for similar positions in the area. Have your reviews been positive? I would also add this into your discussion. These are all positive reasons for them to give you the money you deserve. I think you should go into the discussion with a number you can live with. Remember, if they do not give you what you want, you have to be prepared to look elsewhere. Good luck.

[ActYourWage]

Have a detailed list of accomplishments and the areas you are responsible for, you may be surprised just how much your boss doesn't know you do. Set up a meeting with your boss and go over the list and let them know your position. As krantcents mentioned, get a salary range for similar positions in your area and have a number in your mind. Remember you may have to negotiate the salary increase, remain calm and don't jump at the first increase in pay if you feel it doesn't fit your idea situation.

[riverwed070707]

Originally Posted by krantcents

Besides what you described, I would find 3-6 or more accomplishments during this period. That should give you confidence when you talk to your boss. In addition, I would try to find out salary ranges (compensation) for similar positions in the area. Have your reviews been positive? I would also add this into your discussion. These are all positive reasons for them to give you the money you deserve. I think you should go into the discussion with a number you can live with. Remember, if they do not give you what you want, you have to be prepared to look elsewhere. Good luck.

This is tricky for me and has been one of the reasons I've held off on asking. If they don't give me what I'm asking for, I'm still not going anywhere. I love my job and there simply aren't others like it in my area. In the future, I would consider moving for a similar position if I'm still dissatisfied with the pay but right now that isn't an option.

I also struggle to find comparable salaries because it is a very diverse role. The role I've assumed is listed in our HR system as 3 pay grades higher than my own, so what I'd like to do is just asked to be moved into that pay grade...do you think that's specific enough becuase I'd really prefer not to go in with a number.

I also forgot to specify that I'm not asking for a raise, I'm asking for a promotion. Granted it's a promotion to do the same job, but essentially I'm asking to be formally moved into that role -- accompanied by the title and pay change -- and I guess I just question whether people actually go in and ask for a promotion with a salary number...I am the wuss who usually just takes what I can get.

[riverwed070707]

And one more question. My boss is in another office. I usually travel there a couple times a month but turns out I wont be going at all this month and possibly not next month either... would it be completely unacceptable to set up a meeting with him to do this over the phone?

[ActYourWage]

Originally Posted by riverwed070707

And one more question. My boss is in another office. I usually travel there a couple times a month but turns out I wont be going at all this month and possibly not next month either... would it be completely unacceptable to set up a meeting with him to do this over the phone?

I would make a special planned trip to their office (within a reasonable distance). That way you can show them your detailed list of accomplishments and make your case in a confident matter. This situation is not something that comes up often.

[snafu]

Change of title, promotion, raise are all topics typically discussed during performance appraisal/evaluation. Who did your last performance evaluation? If it hasn't been done in the past 12 months, can you ask your direct supervisor or HR to assist making an appointment?

From a corporate perspective, promotions are based on the needs of the organization. They don't offer promotion because you believe you 'deserve' a promotion. You need to demonstrate how you have improved the bottom line. How have your efforts/day-today made the operation better, more successful, more efficient, better quality of work, reduced turn-around time, brought in more clients or whatever is an enhancement in your particular circumstances. Provide facts and figures that prove widget production has increase x%, or absenteeism has decreased or workers compensation claim reductions saved the organization $ x. You get the idea, prove you have added much more value to the organization than they had 2.5 years ago.

The fact that you have done your work and the work of someone who left 2.5 years ago seems to prove the un-filled position was un-necessary. I suspect your supervisor benefited from your effort and likely got a bonus for reducing his staffing costs [salary + benefit expense]. I understand why you didn't press for promotion while the economy tanked but it has been steadily improving for some times. You will need to supply facts to support your theory that your replacement would cost the organization 15%-30% more. Unfortunately, using that tactic suggests you are putting your job on the line..'pay me what my replacement X education, Y experience in this community commands $$$$. You like your job, it's not a good idea to suggest they replace you!

I hope this is helpful to steel your nerves. Good luck, hope you get the promotion and salary increase you desire.

[Frugal]

I think it is best to wait for a slow, more opportune time, and go in prepared with some facts about what you are doing to contribute to the organization. That being said, I am sure it is tough, and i don't know if I could do it so easily, either!