Want That Promotion? Learn Who to Approach

Promotion is sometimes a matter of self-endorsement you can’t be noticed if you dont tell people who you are. But then, it’s also a matter of telling the right people. After all, what’s the point of telling Stan from the IT department how you saved your company hundreds of thousands of dollars if you work in Logistics? Learn who to approach to get your promotion in gear. Here’s how:

Your supervisor
Provided that the promotion you’re aiming for isn’t going to make your boss lose his job, you can approach them to ask about how to advance in your department. You can try to do it subtly, such as by asking for more responsibilities or volunteering for more tasks but you can also do so with the more direct approach.

Ask nicely but be businesslike. Dont put your boss in an awkward position. Let him know you’re only doing so because you want to learn more and be able to do more.

As to when to approach, that depends. If your employee evaluation is coming up, that would be a good time to ask or if you’ve been doing a good job for the past six months, you can also ask to schedule a short meeting with your boss.

However, just make sure that you have, indeed, performed excellently. It would be very embarrassing and injurious to your promotion if you asked to be evaluated and have nothing to show for it. But if your contribution is worth it and your boss is a good one, they will be more than glad to help you shine as the exemplary employee that you are.

The HR department
The HR department can be a very valuable source of information and advice on how to get promoted in your area. Here’s how to approach them:

-Ask what your current position’s key competencies are and what kind of vertical movement you can expect. Find out about the competencies required for the higher position.
-If the job position you’re targeting is something else, ask HR what skills and educational background are required to be considered for that position.
-Find out about upcoming trainings and how to get them.

A higher authority
Sometimes, you get stuck in a position where your good works remain unnoticed or at least, appreciated but not rewarded. When it seems that nothing you do can get your boss to recommend your promotion, find a mentor. Start with your department head, for example, and ask for advice on how to maximize your contributions and work towards a promotion. If you can approach these people in a professional manner, you’re more likely to get a positive response.

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