Have you been working somewhere for a long time, where you’ve significantly impacted the company’s business? Have your responsibilities increased but not the money? 

Do you think you have put in all the hard work and deserve an advance in your current role? Do you feel like it’s time to take your current position to a higher level? 

Asking for a promotion can be nerve-wracking even when you think you’re ready for the next step. Asking for promotion feels like putting yourself in a vulnerable position, where you may not be judged worthy of it by the manager you are trying to impress.

You may fret that you’ll be bugging your boss or come across a greedy and self-serving manager, who may not only belittle you, crash your confidence but also fire you for the audacity of asking for more.

Well, you are right to be scared and it may indeed turn out badly. But if you ever have to level up in career as is in general life, then you will need to take the necessary bold move. 

Besides, you cannot sit back and wait for someone else to notice your hard work and remunerate you more. Even though in some cases, the organisation takes great care of their employees in this way, it may not be the same in your case. 

What exactly do you want?

You need to be as specific as possible in your request. Do you want more power, more money or more managerial responsibility? Is there already a position you covet, or do you wish to create a new role?

Before you start discussing any potential opportunities with your manager, think about what you want out of your new role and how it can benefit the company. Consider your personal career goals and make sure that what you’re asking for collides with them.

Impress your boss

Ankur Gopal’s, CEO of Interapt, quote goes like this, "It’s ironic, but the best way to get promoted is to make your boss’ job easier. And the best way to do that is to make his or her job obsolete. You’re not really putting your manager out of a job, you’re allowing him or her to trust your work. In turn, he or she can focus on new areas that the higher-ups have needed to address for some time. Strong work goes up the chain, improves the company, and gets you noticed.

If they trust you and so they want you closer and more.

Build your case

Know all the details of the position and how your skills make you the ideal choice. If you’re interested in a position that already exists, ask the employee leaving the position about the job, their working experience, and any other career advice they may give. If you’re creating a new role, outline how it can benefit the company as a whole and why you’re the only person for the job.

"When people are really committed, you can tell by the quality of their work, the effort they put in, and the relationships they develop. When employees show commitment, we notice and try to reward them with deserved promotions,” Alfredo Atanacio, Co-Founder of UassistME, once said.

Consider timing

While there might not be a perfect time to ask for a promotion, some times are better than others. Do your research and know when you would have high chances to be promoted. 

For example, it is better to ask for a promotion when an employee in that position you are targeting is leaving than when the company just lost an important client. 

It is never a good idea to ask for a promotion right after budget cuts or a round of layoffs.

Be confident 

Now go ahead and approach your promotion discussion with confidence. Have an open and honest conversation with your superiors without being confrontational or demanding. 

A promotion is a way for employers to recognise your value and efforts at a company, so don’t be afraid to ask for what you deserve.  

"It seems quite simple, but expressing your desire for a particular promotion is very helpful. Sometimes management may not know you want it, or has not thought of you as a candidate, especially if it’s outside of your current department. Often management will tell you what you need to do to get the position if they know you want it. Be humble, inquisitive, passionate, and hungry,” quoted Joshua Waldron, SilencerCo.