How to get a Promotion in a Recession

How to…..get a promotion in a Recession
by Jane Middleton, The Middleton Partnership

Many of us are so focused on keeping our jobs that we have all but forgotten about our
ambitions for career progression in the workplace. However, as jobs are made
redundant, this may be the ideal moment to get that promotion you’ve been dreaming
of.

• Firstly, assess the damage. Where are the gaps/vacancies in the company, and
  do you have the skills to fill them? If so, start doing the extra work. That’s an
  ideal approach because you can prove you’re good at the job before formally
  asking for the promotion.
• In other cases, you’ll have to sell the idea to your manager/manager before
  you can take on the extra duties. Either way, how you ask for the promotion is
  key.
• Frame your request in a way that demonstrates you want to help the company
  get through these tough times, not just take advantage of a personal opportunity.
• Maybe you could say it like this “I know there are reductions happening, and
  fewer people will be doing more work. I’d like to be considered to help with the
  overflow. Here are the areas where I think I can contribute.”
• Don’t be put off if the answer isn’t an immediate yes. In this difficult market
  conditions, people’s decisions often require more approval signatures than they
  used to.
• If your boss gives you a resounding no, follow up by asking, “What can I do to
  put myself in a better position to make this happen in the future? What do you
  feel are the areas where I need to improve?” Whatever you do try to get
  concrete suggestions from them, so that you can act on them now and then
  remind them later on about the conversation later.
• More money usually comes with a promotion, but it’s far from guaranteed these
  days. If you’ve already started taking on additional responsibilities, build your
  case by showcasing your accomplishments. If you are doing a job that three
  people used to do, point it out to the management. You’re saving the company
  thousands of pounds.
• If that doesn’t work, you might have better luck asking for more money in the
  form of a performance-based bonus. Of course, the money/budget just may not
  be there to give you. Take the promotion anyway – it will make you far more
  marketable in and out of the company. Eventually, the economy will pull out of
  its current slump. Make sure to ask your boss when a good time might be to reevaluate your salary. Ask what hurdles the company needs to overcome before
  your salary can match your additional job responsibilities.
• 
  

Get these things clearly established, so you can go back and say, “This is what you said
in the last conversation we had on this subject”.

Good luck!

To contact Jane Middleton, please email her at

jane@themiddletonpartnership.com, talk to her on 07900 250782 or find out
more information about what The Middleton Partnership can do for your
business at www.themiddletonpartnership.com