Using the right words to ask for a promotion can be the difference between a corner office and a cubicle.
Before diving into scripts, don’t forget to do your homework. Are you coveting a position that already exists or creating a new one? If you’re hoping to squeeze into that coveted position a little bit of research into who the company has hired previously will only benefit you when tailoring your scripts.
If it’s a new position you’d like to create, you’ll need to build your case. Clarifying what you’re looking for is the first step. Ask your coworkers what they consider to be your strengths and weaknesses. After all, if you’re successful, your coworkers may be working for you and you will need to assure them that you’re a leader.
Use words that show your boss that you are not reactive, that you’re trustworthy, and have the company’s best interest in mind. Show that you can swallow your pride, take responsibility for your team, and use your experience for company growth.
Using scripts when asking for a promotion is a valuable tool. Here are 4 scripts to use and examples of when to use them.
- Lead with results. This seems like a no-brainer, but surprisingly few people take the time to really think about the results or impact they’ve made on the company. Many just assume that a promotion is something guaranteed after a certain number of years on the job. You may want a promotion, but do you deserve one? Use results to prove you do.
Script: Over the last year, I have led my team in sales, increasing our gross profits by 25%. This is just one example of how I have consistently proven my value to the company. I want to make sure that what I’m doing continues to bring the company to the next level. I believe I would flourish is the role of [position]. Here are some ideas of what I would do in the first 30 days as [position] to increase sales and customer satisfaction. I would be grateful for the opportunity to prove my value to you and the company as the new [position].
- Show that you are the mastermind at finding the strengths of your team and allowing them to shine by inspiring them to put their best foot forward. If your next promotion puts you in charge of company employees or contractors, you will need to demonstrate that you can lead a team. Build your case by selecting examples of your leadership skills in your current position.
Script: I want to thank you for allowing me the opportunity to lead the training for our new product. I identified the strengths of my teammates and shifted their responsibilities to enable everyone to put their best foot forward. Because of that, we successfully launched our product without difficulties. Afterwards, I learned that my teammates felt the project was successful because they were all able to utilize their strengths instead of just doing the task in front of them. What I found out about myself through this experience is that I truly enjoyed leading a team. I believe I am ready for a leadership role. I believe not only would I make a great leader, but I would also be accepted by the team. Please consider this promotion. I want to prove my value to you and the company.
- Show that you lead by example. Going the extra mile shouldn’t go unnoticed. It will also serve you well when seeking a promotion. Leading by example shows that you’re willing to get dirty to get the job done. And your coworkers will notice. Even if they don’t say something, they definitely notice that you’re not telling them what to do while you’re out getting a mani-pedi.
Script: I like to think that I’m a team player with a commitment to the goals of the company. That is why I roll up my sleeves and get into the trenches when something needs to get done. Last week was particularly busy for production. I found where I could lend a hand by always keeping the supplies well stocked. That way when production needed something, it was easy to find. This is just one example of why I would ask that you consider promoting me to [position] where I can continue to lead by example to reach company goals.
- Show how you think outside the box. Being innovative isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. In 2020, the global economy changed with the COVID-19 pandemic. Business as usual came to a dead halt. This led to dramatic shifts in the way we do business as well as changes to traditional company roles.
Script: I’ve been thinking about my position with the company and I would like to begin talking about moving into a role with more responsibility. I believe I’ve shown that I am ready to take on a role like this because I have a proven track record of being able to think outside the box to resolve conflict, avert problems, and create team involvement. During the pandemic, I was able to quickly shift to remote work while finding solutions to our weekly brainstorming sessions using video conferencing, messaging platforms, and task management and collaboration software. This allowed us to continue working as a team even though we were unable to meet face-to-face. Ultimately, this led to an early release of the new software program despite the challenges of working remotely. I believe there is a role within the company for a [position] and that I am a good fit for that position.
None of these scripts will replace preparation. You must do your homework to get that promotion.
Just as Rome wasn’t built in a day, neither is getting a promotion. Nurture the conversation with your employer. Plant seeds, water, grow and pick your time to ask. Remember that receiving a promotion at work will change the dynamics of the workplace. If the company is pressed with deadlines, wait until after the deadlines to ask for a promotion. Especially, if you will be successful in helping complete the deadlines – just another feather in your cap.
When planting seeds, ask for ways that you can improve. Ask what you can do to be a better leader. Water those suggestions. Grow as a member of the team by taking on extra responsibilities.
When the time is right, use modifications to these scripts for asking for a promotion.
