Do you feel dissatisfied in your current job role? Do you hope to rise through the ranks at work? If you feel like it, you can always ask for a raise. But the question is, “Should you?”
You might want to give some serious thought to the decision of whether or not to ask for a raise or promotion. There’s no guarantee that asking for a promotion will work out, but it can’t hurt. A request for advancement may have no effect or may have negative consequences. Before approaching your boss about a promotion, there are a few things you should consider.
Open positions are one of many considerations you should make when weighing whether or not to approach your boss about a promotion. Are you aware of any current openings or upcoming vacancies in your desired field? This alone can increase your chances of getting promoted, as timing is often said to be everything in the corporate world. In other words, pay close attention. You should consider asking your manager for a promotion if you learn of any openings at work or come across relevant job postings in the media.
When deciding whether or not to ask for a raise, it’s also important to consider how long you’ve been with the company. Though it’s impossible to say for sure, staying with the same company for a long period of time increases your promotion prospects. Many businesses have a policy of giving promotions to current employees or those who have been there for some time. Short employment tenure is only one factor among many that should be considered when asking for a promotion.
When trying to decide if you should ask your boss for a promotion, it’s also important to think about your motivations. Are you thinking about looking for a new job, perhaps one that pays more or has better benefits? If you want to advance in your career, you might ask for a raise diplomatically. If you are unhappy in your current position and want to move on to “greener pastures,” you may have nothing to lose by making a promotion request. In fact, the response you receive could come as a complete shock to you. The majority of businesses will try to keep employees who are doing a good job on the team by offering them raises or other perks.
While you probably don’t want to start a rumor mill, you might be curious as to whether or not any other employees have previously requested a raise. Was there acceptance or rejection of their efforts? Was there anything unexpected that came up when you asked for a raise? This can help you decide if you should pursue a promotion or not. Don’t resort to rumor and hearsay to learn the facts; instead, pay attention to your surroundings.
Take caution if you decide to approach your manager or managers about a possible promotion. Your superiors may not be aware of your employment or the work you have done unless you have previously worked with them. A meeting with your manager or managers is something you should try to arrange. You should use this meeting as an opportunity to sell yourself. Highlight your prior successes and emphasize your dedication to career advancement.
The aforementioned considerations are only the tip of the iceberg when weighing the pros and cons of approaching your superiors about a possible promotion. If you do decide to ask for a raise, it’s best to do so with a positive attitude and without getting defensive or angry if your request is turned down.