A promotion usually brings the biggest pay jump you can get without changing employers. It rarely happens just because you’ve been there a while. Here’s a practical plan.
1. Define the job you want
Get your company’s job description or career ladder for the next level. If there isn’t one, look up the role on O*NET OnLine, which lists typical tasks, skills and work activities by occupation. Then compare it with what you already do.
2. Show you’re already doing part of it
Keep a running “brag document”: projects delivered, problems solved, money saved or earned, people trained, praise from customers. Write down dates and real numbers from your own work. Specific beats general.
3. Close the gaps on purpose
If the next level needs skills you don’t have yet, like budgeting, leading a team or a certification, ask your manager for a chance to build them now, such as leading one project.
4. Time the conversation
Ask for a meeting specifically about your career, not at the end of a routine check-in. The best times are a few months before budget planning or review season, or right after a visible win.
5. Make the ask clearly
“I’d like to be considered for [title]. Here’s how my work over the last year lines up with that role. What would you need to see to support it, and on what timeline?”
6. Get the next steps in writing
If the answer is “not yet,” ask for specific criteria and a date to revisit. Follow up by email to summarize what you agreed.
7. Talk money
A new title should come with new pay. Research the market rate first (see benchmark your salary with BLS data) and be ready to discuss a number.
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