How to ask for a raise, promotion, transfer, new project…

Client: “I’ve worked for my company for 7 years and have always had great performance reviews. I want to be promoted to Senior Project Manager.”

Betsy: “Why do you want to be promoted?”

Client: “I already do part of the job and I will learn more about project management. I need a higher salary and as SeniorProject Manager, I will have a little more flexibility in my schedule. I’m tired of working with this team. They are complacent and I have to do their job and mine.”

Betsy: “What is the benefit to your company for you to be promoted?”

Client: Moments of silence…followed by “I don’t know.”

Although great companies have programs to keep employees engaged and satisfied, if you want a raise or promotion, you have to consider the benefit to the company – “What’s In It for Them?”

These strategies will help you get what you want.

• Focus, and be very clear about what you want.
  Know what position you want and know how much money you desire
• Choose the right time.
  At the end of a very good quarter or after an excellent performance evaluation.
• List your accomplishments and results.
  Practice verbalizing them to a friend.
• Ask with confidence.
  Do not apologize. “I don’t want to be a bother…” Or “I don’t intend to be braggadocios…”
• Clearly outline the benefit to the company.
  Will your promotion provide better customer service? Create new customers? Fill a vacant position? Generate more revenue?
• Have a plan if your request is not granted.
  Will you be happy staying in your current position?