You’ve been working your tush off for your company. You’ve put in the time, proven your abilities, and shown your dedication repeatedly. In fact, you make your job look like a cake walk because you shine at it. It is time to ask for that promotion. I know that it is a scary idea, but you have to step out of your comfort zone if you want your career to progress. Don’t worry too much because we’re providing you with some key pointers to help prepare you to have that long overdue conversation.

Keep in mind the company’s performance over the last year.

If they haven’t been doing so well, it may not be a good idea to ask for essentially more money when they are trying to tighten their belt. If it has been an outstanding year, you have a better chance of the company granting your request. This is due to you performing well and assisting the company with becoming more profitable.

Consider what you have done for the company.

Now, what I mean is that you have to prove how you’ve made a difference for the better. Keep tabs of the projects you handle. Have reports prepared to show that your work has paid off. Even have references from co-workers and clients that discuss their experiences with you.

Have a game plan ready to share.

Your company is going to want to know about how you would handle being in the new position. What changes will you make? What projects do you have in mind? How would you handle a sensitive situation? These are questions they will ask you so have your answers carefully planned.

Take any extra schooling or training that could give you an advantage.

It may be as simple as a course on a software program you will have to use, learning a language, or you may need to get a bachelor’s or master’s degree. It depends on your situation, but a company likes to see that you are willing to make the necessary changes.

5 Helpful Career Habits for New Opportunities (bloomselfstudio.com)

Stand out among your peers.

Speak up at meetings. Socialize more with your co-workers and managers. Take on a new project. You can also use your previous employee review to revamp the areas that you needed to perfect.

Set a good example.

Your managers will be more likely to give you a promotion if they believe you have leadership qualities. Keep a positive attitude. Be on time. Stay off your phone or websites that aren’t related to your work.

Schedule a time to meet with your manager to discuss the promotion.

They will appreciate you considering their time and allowing them to prepare for the meeting as well.

Don’t back down once in the room with your manager.

This is easier said than done because it is very intimidating, but try to keep your courage. It will help if you practice your speech beforehand with a friend or family member. Also, have talking points prepared so you remember everything you want to discuss.

Be prepared for rejection.

It may happen so always know that it’s a possibility and be ready for it. Don’t get angry. Instead, ask for feedback and what it will take for you to get the promotion. Also, let the manager know that you’ll be having this discussion again when you’ve met those requirements.

All you have to do is ask. If you’ve completed all of these steps, you will be a more valuable employee and make it harder to say “no” to. The worst that could happen is that they reject your request (for now). Don’t get discouraged. Keep pursuing your goals and adjust your plans to help you meet them. I have all of the confidence in the world that you will get that promotion.