Asking For a Job Title Promotion
If you feel ready to move forward in your career but there's no promotion in sight, you can ask your employer for a job title promotion. The promotion won't increase your salary, but it will progress you in your career and make you a more appealing candidate the next time you apply for jobs. Find out how you should talk to your employer about getting a job title promotion.
What Is a Job Title Promotion?
Before you ask for this type of promotion, you should understand what it means. A job title promotion is a better job title than the one you have. Unlike a regular promotion, a job title promotion doesn't give you a salary bump.
You might be wondering why you'd want this type of promotion. If your employer doesn't have enough money to promote you or if they have a timeline for promotions, you don't have a chance at moving forward. Instead of remaining stagnant in your career, you can ask for a more advanced job title.
Asking for a job title promotion helps you in two ways. First, it puts you in a great position to receive a true promotion from your employer. Secondly, it makes your resume more appealing for future employers. It could be the reason a hiring manager picks you over another applicant for your dream job. As an added benefit, the promotion boosts your confidence.
Tips for Asking for the Job Title Promotion
If you want your boss to give you a title promotion, you should prepare yourself for success. All of the following tips enhance your chance of being offered the promotion:
Act Like You Already Have the Promotion
You need to show your boss that you're ready for the promotion before you ask them for it. Even though you don't have the title yet, act as if you're in that role. Take on more responsibility whenever possible and be confident in your abilities. You need to earn the title before you receive it.
Think about what someone in your desired job title would do differently. Perhaps they'd speak up more at meetings or make suggestions to improve working conditions. If someone else at your workplace has your desired title, make a list of things they do. Without copying them, try to emulate their actions and behaviors. If you don't know anyone with the title, try to imagine what your employer would want to see from you in that position.
When you do this, be cautious. Don't replace your title with the desired title, and don't step on any toes. While you should be a leader, you shouldn't make anyone feel as if you're superior to your coworkers.
Be Specific with the Title
When you negotiate with your employer for a higher salary, you should always have a number in mind. The same is true of negotiating for a better title. You should know what title you want, or there's no point in bringing up the subject. If you're not sure what title you want, consider someone who is in a position on your career path. What titles did they possess to get where they are now? A mentor may be able to advise you on this.
Currently, cute and creative titles like "Chief Fun Officer" are popular. However, you shouldn't pick anything that doesn't sound professional, and you shouldn't try to break the mold. If possible, ask for a title that already exists within your organization. Your employer is much more likely to accept your proposal if it already is part of the career ladder.
One way to determine the new title is to consider what duties you're performing that are outside of your current title. For instance, you might currently have the title of accounting assistant. If you've been taking on analysis, you could ask to be called an accounting analyst. It's easy to justify the promotion when you're already performing duties related to the position.
Build a Strong Case
You shouldn't expect to walk into your boss' office and demand a promotion. Rather, you should be ready to justify the promotion. Before you speak to your manager, make a list of duties that support your desire for a promotion. Show them that your current duties align with an advanced title.
As you build your case, keep the emotions out of it. Avoid the temptation to talk about coworkers who have received promotions. If you focus on your accomplishments, you make a solid case. Whenever possible, be very specific. Use accomplishments that are easy to measure and represent.
Time Your Request
In addition to building a case, you need to plan your meeting. You shouldn't approach your boss about it suddenly. Instead, set up a meeting with them. Plan the meeting for a time when your boss will be in good spirits.
For instance, they might be stressed on Mondays or during the morning. Schedule the meeting for a time that's the least stressful for your manager.
Be OK with Rejection
Your employer may decline your request for a new title. To prevent shock and an outburst, be ready to hear the word "no." If your boss declines, ask them what you can do to earn the job title.
Remember, this isn't a personal decision. Hearing no doesn't mean you'll never advance. It simply means that you need to take more measures to convince your boss you deserve an advancement.
Consider Moving On
If your boss says no to the title promotion, don't be afraid to start looking for a new employer. Only do this if you feel as if you deserve the promotion or if it feels as if the company is stringing you along. If this is the case, it's worth exploring your other options. Do a quick job search for your desired title and see what's available. While you're at it, spruce up your resume with your latest achievements. If everything works out, you could end up with a better job title and a better employer.