How to talk about a promotion? Get ready with us!

Conversations about promotions and raises are not easy. They are as stressful as the recruitment process. We tell you when is a good time for them and how to prepare for them to be successful.

An interview for a promotion is much more difficult than a job interview. While in the latter case we present ourselves from the best possible side, advertising our strengths, in the case of an interview for promotion it is purely self-promotion. In our culture we are not accustomed to complimenting ourselves – in addition, out loud, in front of our superiors.

The most important thing in an interview for promotion is proper preparation and argumentation. We must present ourselves professionally, we must not be fooled, and we must have hard arguments to back up our demands.

Consider whether it is the right time for a promotion

A promotion is not just about more prestige, professional success and higher pay. It also means more responsibility and more accountability. The first step in considering a promotion should be to think deeply about whether you feel up to the additional responsibilities. You may find yourself becoming the supervisor of other employees after a promotion.

You should think carefully about why you feel you should be promoted. A good argument is the success achieved, above-average performance, increased competence, or on the other hand – increased responsibilities and duties. For an employer promoting an employee equals an investment. Therefore, arguments should be hard and supported by evidence.

Make a list and summarize on paper your past achievements

Rarely is a spontaneous promotion conversation successful. You need to be prepared for tricky and biting questions. The employer may also refer to our mistakes and past situations where we did not perform well. Such a counter must not take us by surprise and affect our confidence and thus the further course of the interview.

So create a list in which:

• list how long you have worked at the company and in what positions. List all the duties that belong to you. Also make a note of your salary, bonuses – when did you last get a raise and other additional benefits;
• analyze the job market to see what salaries are in the industry and in similar positions. Look at how your current salary situation ranks in this statistic;
• write down your skills and competencies – both hard and soft. List the training you’ve taken and what you’ve done to improve your professional skills. In particular, highlight those courses that you have self-funded;
• focus on your professional successes and accomplishments. Consider what benefited the company, what activities made you stand out from other employees;
• think about what you would like to do in the company – what tasks inspire you, motivate you, make you like your job. Point out ideas for changes and declare your willingness to continue working for development.

Make an appointment for an interview and have a meaningful discussion

The moment you feel you are ready for a confrontation, set up a meeting with your employer. There is no point in hiding what its purpose is. The employer will then have time to think things through calmly and prepare for the conversation as much as you do. And it is not necessarily about the negative aspect – looking for arguments for no. The employer will have a chance to think about what responsibilities they are able to give you at this point in time and what financial terms are possible to satisfy.

The promotion interview should not last longer than half an hour. It is best if it is conducted at a stable moment in the company’s operation. Another important issue is how to talk to the employer. The best solution is to use “benefit language” – arguing in such a way that the employer sees the benefits for themselves and the company in connection with your promotion. The conversation should be substantive and based on arguments, not claims. Such an attitude can be counterproductive.

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