Asking for a promotion or a higher salary from your manager will always be an anxiety inducing and intimidating moment, but in the current climate of low salary growth, it’s important to put yourself out there.
When it comes to asking for a pay rise or landing that promotion, preparation and information are key as when you decide to ask, you’ll need to prove (with specifics) that you’re ready for the next step. Usually promotions won’t just be handed to you—you must work (and ask!) for them.
Don’t leave it to the last minute when you are updating your resume to think about what you have achieved, start writing them down today! Use a dairy, notebook or online apps such as OneNote or Evernote to jot down your accomplishments at least on a weekly basis.
It’s important to gather information (or evidence) about your own unique contributions that bolster your case: Doing a great job in your position isn’t enough to make your case as you’ll need to show that you’ve gone above and beyond as your boss may not be aware of all you’ve accomplished over the past year. Some of the things that you should note down include
- Money-saving efficiencies you implemented
- Results from a project you’ve just overseen
- Positive customer testimonials
- Praise from higher ups
- Did you improve processes or solve a problem?
- Did you exceed performance expectations?
Key points to remember when asking for a raise or promotion
- Prepare your case by gathering data on your unique contribution to the business
- Consider your boss’s priorities and explain how you’ll help
- Practice the conversation ahead of time
- Don’t compare yourself to a colleague
- Don’t threaten to quit
Good luck!
Adrian Osuchowski works for Orion Search, who are a boutique search and recruitment agency assisting companies within Australia’s manufacturing industry.
Adrian Osuchowski - Orion Search
Orion Search assists Primary Processors (Abattoirs & Boning Rooms) and Further Processors (Value Added Meat, Ready To Eat & Smallgoods) within Beef, Lamb, Pork and Poultry employ their hard to find, permanent staff all across Australia.