If you are relatively new to your role but feel like you are ready to take on more responsibility, it can be hard to know when is the right time to ask for a promotion.
The answer to this isn't a simple, because it is largely based upon your individual performance rather than length of tenure.
To make sure that you are ready for a promotion, assess your performance in your current role. Make sure that you have fully understood the job description and have received feedback from your boss about your performance.
It is also important to consider whether you are mentally and emotionally prepared for a promotion, as it may involve additional responsibility, changes to your work routine, and interactions with more senior stakeholders. Are you comfortable with this?
Once you feel that you are ready, it is time to communicate your ambitions. Hopefully you have built up a good relationship with your boss and feel comfortable sharing your ambitions and aspirations. Be sure to mention that you have enjoyed settling in to your current role, but you feel that you are now ready for a bigger challenge.
Your organisation should have a career progression policy in place, which outlines what you need to do to be considered for promotion. Look for opportunities which will help you develop the necessary skills, and volunteer for extra tasks or projects.
As you begin taking on extra duties in addition to what you already have to do, your days will become much busier. To stay on top of everything you need to be well organized and manage your time carefully; this means setting a specific deadline for every task, and maybe making a list of the next day's tasks the day before.
Make sure that you are also taking care of yourself. It is important to maintain a work/life balance and effective time management. Track your progress and ask for feedback from your boss or get a mentor to support you.
As you begin to make strides towards reaching your goals, make sure to document your progress, along with any quantifiable achievements. Have regular check-ins with your boss to keep them informed and ask for their input.
You shouldn’t lose heart if you are met with a ‘no’. Ask for feedback which pinpoints excactly why you were not sucessful this time round. Use this as an opportunity to self-improve, and remember, you're one step closer than you were before.
