You’ve been in your first position within the finance and accounting profession for some time and are ready to progress your career. What’s the best way to approach your manager or employer for a promotion?

Michelle Gibbings, a Melbourne-based workplace expert and award-winning author of three career development books, says proactivity is key.

“Proactive personalities tend to change their environment, not be constrained by situational forces, seek new opportunities and show initiative,” she says.

Plus, she says, employers don't want to lose good talent.

“Bosses know hiring new people takes time and money. Estimates are that it can cost anywhere from A$5000 to A$21,000 to hire someone new.”

Seek out opportunities close by

To start, Gibbings recommends finding out about the changes that are taking place at work to spot opportunities for internal promotion. She recommends looking for a role that requires skills and experiences similar to what you already have.

“Alternatively, you may be able to expand your current position in a way that opens the door to a promotion. In both situations, this requires proactivity.”

She says ambition is good, but it needs to be tempered with reality.

“To secure a promotion, you will want to demonstrate results, and clearly articulate your contribution to the role and organisation. That means you'll need evidence to back up your claims. For example, the times you have contributed beyond expectations and excelled in your role. How long that takes to materialise will depend on your role and the nature of your environment.”

She says there are no hard or fast rules – “you need to be strategic and selective in your approach.”

Articulate your unique selling point

Everyone brings specific skills to their role – and you can characterise this as your unique selling proposition. “It’s the value you deliver through the work you do and it’s what makes you stand out,” says Gibbings.

“It’s critical to articulate that value and how you contribute more to the organisation and team’s success. The more value you deliver, the stronger your negotiating position.”

So, what’s the best way to go about requesting a promotion? Should you ask in writing or make a casual reference to your aspirations while chatting by the coffee machine?

“You must tailor your request to the situation and person you are communicating with,” says Gibbings. “That's why it’s critical to understand them – their operating style, agenda, needs and what they will likely support or reject.”

When you make the request, Gibbings suggests stating your wants objectively and in a way that will resonate with your boss. “You also need to explain how this will benefit the organisation.”

She says you also need to pick your timing.

“Select a time when your boss is likely to be more receptive. For example, you might have just landed a new client or finished a significant project.

“Organisations often have performance and pay review cycles, so understand the timing and how they work.”

No luck. What now?

If you apply for a promotion and are unsuccessful, is it time to look further afield?

“Ask for specific feedback,” advises Gibbings. “Ask your boss what skills and capabilities you need to demonstrate to be considered for higher levels in the future.”

She also recommends young professionals consider lateral moves within an organisation, where you broaden your skill set and experience. She adds, “Narrowing too early can hold you back later in your career.”

Applying for a promotion – 10 tips

1. Take a close look at others who have received a promotion in your organisation. What did they offer that was noticed by management? Did they have strong networking skills? Technical abilities?
2. Look for opportunities where you can highlight your achievements such as staff awards, performance reviews, and the intranet.
3. Demonstrate your leadership skills. Make yourself a go-to person if someone wants something done or needs advice.
4. Identify how processes can be improved and show you are thinking outside of the box.
5. Be calm, positive and a great colleague. Show interest in and acknowledge others’ achievements, and be enthusiastic.
6. Maintain a strong work ethic – be punctual, prioritise, and exhibit great time management.
7. Seek opportunities to learn new skills from co-workers, mentors or courses.
8. Make your manager’s job easier – manage up, seek their trust and make yourself indispensable.
9. Where possible, own projects from start to finish, so management can easily identify your successes.
10. Help your colleagues succeed, share knowledge and collaborate with other co-workers who are intent on progressing their careers.

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