You’re struggling to get a promotion. How can you make yourself stand out?

You’re an IT manager who wants to advance your career, but you feel stuck in your current role. You’ve been working hard, delivering results, and taking on extra responsibilities, but you’re not getting the recognition or the compensation you deserve. How can you make yourself stand out and get the promotion you’ve been dreaming of? Here are some tips to help you showcase your value and negotiate your worth.

1 Identify your goals

Before you ask for a promotion, you need to have a clear idea of what you want and why you deserve it. Do you want to move to a higher-level position, take on more leadership or strategic tasks, or switch to a different department or project? Do you have a specific salary or benefit package in mind? How do you measure your performance and impact? Write down your goals and the evidence that supports them, and review them regularly to keep yourself focused and motivated.

Add your perspective

Brian Papuga

Digital Transformation & Service Management Executive | Innovating with AI, Intelligent Automation, and Strategic Leadership to Create Legendary Customer Experiences.
Report contribution
It is important to gain clarity on: -Objective -Your Value Proposition -How the two correlate -Stretch Opportunities to Show You're Ready Work with your leadership team to set SMART goals against achieving your objective. It is important to understand that HR limitations may limit timing on promotions. However, this is all the more reasoning for leadership alignment and support on your SMART goals in getting to the "next level." I enjoy stretch goals for aspirational employees, too. It gives the ability to operate at the "next level" and gain exposure to new/exciting scenarios. These can help solidify a case for being ready to move up. Balance stretch with being taken advantage of, though - there is a fine line, so be vigilant!

Like
Chi Keat (Jerry) Eng

♦ Consultant ♦ ICF Certified Coach ♦ Sales Coach ♦ Sales Strategist ♦ Commercial Trainer ♦ Servant & Transformational Leader ♦
Report contribution
Most often many just want to get promotion because of the higher authority or better pay. Not many understand what it takes to be taking up a higher position. In order to get promoted, you are not just required to perform within your current Job Scope because you need to demonstrate some of the quality that you possess for the higher role. A clear example is many Salesperson have been promoted to be Sales Manager because they can do good in sales. They have clearly show their performance during their role as salesperson but they did not show the quality of a Manager. When they get promoted and not perform as Manager, the company will think that this person is not suitable or not qualified which is wrong.

Like
christian wiyanto Kurniawan

Stock Investing|Psikologi Investment|Life Learner|Ex Banker's
Report contribution
Some important point that we have to remember : 1. Is that promotion worth the paid? 2. Is it our main goal in our career journey? 3. Is it gonna have a positive impact to our family and society? If all the answer is "YES" without notes than we would automatically keep motivated and focused

Like

2 Communicate your achievements

One of the most important skills for an IT manager is communication. You need to be able to articulate your achievements and contributions in a way that demonstrates your value to the organization and aligns with its goals and vision. Don’t be shy or modest about your accomplishments; instead, use concrete examples, metrics, and testimonials to highlight your skills and results. You can also create a portfolio or a case study that showcases your work and its outcomes. Share your achievements with your manager, your peers, and other key stakeholders regularly and proactively, not just during performance reviews or when you ask for a promotion.

Add your perspective

Kirsten Smith, B. Sc (Hons), TEFL

Aussie Mining Professional | Unlocking YOUR potential as a Mining/Minerals Industry Professional by transforming your English communication skills
Report contribution
Communication is key at this level. Not just communication in a discussion for a promotion, but every communication you have. Think about whether your communication style aligns with the business values and cultural style of the organisation. Because if you cannot reflect these values and messages when you are talking throughout all levels of the team, the business will not see you as adding value. And if you aren't bringing business value, then you won't be considered for a manager role.

Like

3 Expand your network

Another way to make yourself stand out is to expand your network and build relationships with people who can influence your career growth. You can do this by attending events, joining online communities, or volunteering for cross-functional or external projects that expose you to different perspectives and opportunities. You can also seek out mentors, sponsors, or coaches who can offer you guidance, feedback, and support. Networking can help you gain visibility, credibility, and access to new information and resources that can boost your chances of getting a promotion.

Add your perspective

4 Learn new skills

As an IT manager, you need to keep up with the latest trends and technologies in your field and beyond. You also need to develop your soft skills, such as leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence, that are essential for any managerial role. Learning new skills can help you improve your performance, increase your confidence, and demonstrate your potential and willingness to grow. You can learn new skills by taking courses, reading books or blogs, watching videos or podcasts, or participating in workshops or webinars. You can also ask for feedback, challenges, or assignments that can help you stretch your abilities and showcase your learning.

Add your perspective

5 Negotiate your worth

Finally, when you’re ready to ask for a promotion, you need to negotiate your worth effectively and confidently. You need to prepare a strong case that shows why you’re qualified for the promotion, how you’ve exceeded expectations, and what value you can bring to the new role. You also need to research the market rate and the internal policies for the position you’re aiming for, and have a realistic and flexible range in mind. You need to practice your pitch, anticipate objections, and handle them calmly and professionally. You need to be respectful, assertive, and positive, and avoid ultimatums, threats, or comparisons. You need to follow up, express gratitude, and celebrate your success.

Add your perspective

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

Add your perspective

You’re struggling to get a promotion. How can you make yourself stand out?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Identify your goals

2 Communicate your achievements

3 Expand your network

4 Learn new skills

5 Negotiate your worth

6 Here’s what else to consider

IT Management

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

More articles on IT Management

More relevant reading

You’re struggling to get a promotion. How can you make yourself stand out?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Identify your goals

2 Communicate your achievements

3 Expand your network

4 Learn new skills

5 Negotiate your worth

6 Here’s what else to consider

IT Management

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

Explore Other Skills