Promotion Opportunity Within Reach!A job posting was recently put up for a senior management position. In my company, pretty much half of the employees ARE managers, and the other assistant managers. I am very interested in the position, but it is quite possible that the other 16 managers in my district may be as well. The position will only be filled internally since it requires one year with the company to be considered. I feel I have already stood out. For example: A. I emailed my boss that I will be applying for the new position, and he said "Looking forward to your application". B. I have already been the designated manager to fill two of the six or so additional job duties the senior manager is normally designated to do. C. A conversation once came up that I get paid more than most managers do (and I'm relatively new), and I explained to him how I successfully negotiated that pay with his predecessor. I felt it was due to good negotiation skills; he felt that I was getting paid what I was worth and his predecessor made a good decision. So I think I am certainly a candidate for the position. But I have a few questions on proceeding: 1. What is the standard procedure for an internal promotion such as this? Is there one? Should I expect an interview as per my original hire? Is there simply a Resume / Application submission and the boss reviews, then chooses? (the boss, after all, knows us and our work already). What is standard may not be how he does things, of course... but IS there a standard for this kind of internal promotion? 2. Now it is crunch time. Should I go above and beyond to get noticed - which might come across the wrong way - or just do as I have been doing? 3. When is the appropriate time to discuss a raise with the position? What should I expect? I JUST received a raise but 2 months ago already... but do expect one nonetheless with the position. 4. If there is an interview, what kind of tips can you offer that will make me stand out from the others? Should I compare myself with other employees who I know are applicants (if I find out who they are)? Thank you in advance for your time, reading this, and any words you have to offer me. 1. If there is a "standard" procedure it's probably unique to your company. No two companies handle internal promotions exactly the same way, in other words. The best answer I can offer is to be as prepared to respond to whatever the procedure turns out to be. If you should need an updated resume, for instance, I'd do that now, in case one is requested. 2. You got where you are by doing what you've been doing. To do more now could make it look like you could have been doing more all along. Probably not a good move... 3. Wait and see what's offered first. In other words, let them bring salary up as part of the offer. I would anticipate some sort of increase. If that turns out to be the case, and you'd otherwise be happy with the increase, just say, "thank you very much," and let it go at that. If an increase isn't mentioned and you genuinely feel that conversation is about over and that it's time for you to respond to the offer, just say something like, "I'm very flattered to be offered the position and I know I can do a great job, but we haven't talked about the salary for the job yet..." 4. Don't compare yourself to others! Highlight what you've accomplished! At most, and I mean this, I think you could say something like, "I've been able to accomplish X, Y, and Z and I'm not aware of any others who have been able to do that." But stick to what you've accomplished. That's another thing you need to be prepared to do, so start compiling your list now, so you'll have it when you need it. Hope this helps. Paul W. Barada The Negotiation Expert Yes it does, and I appreciate it, thank you. Your advice helped me with getting the job in the first place (and those "negotiations" I referred to in the previous posting)... so thanks for your help once again. 1. Boy scouts motto - Always Be Prepared. I have already updated my resume (to include current work at the current employer) and submitted it with an official application. 2. Stick to what I'm doing. 3. Wait for them to speak, and let it be the last item discussed if it doesn't seem to come up. 4. Highlight my accomplishments. Part of that list was on my previous email, but I got a list growing for when the issue comes up. Remember too that even if the increase isn't as much as you'd like, if they make you the offer you should take it anyway. Promotions don't come along that often. They'd be hiring you into a job that no one else would hire you for yet since you haven't done the job yet. If nothing else, you can take the higher title to another company in a year or two if you want to.
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