Shoo-in for Promotion? 3 Tips to Avoid Stumbling

So you’ve got your sights set on a new internal role? Here’s three tips to make sure it doesn’t slip through your fingers.

It’s hard to move forward when you’ve burnt your bridges

Make sure you discuss your intentions with your current manager before putting your hand up for a new job. Apart from being proper etiquette, getting your boss on side can help improve your chances of landing the job. Let her know it’s about career development, not that you’re unhappy in her team; and see how she can help. Plus if the job doesn’t pan out and you end up staying in her team, you don’t want any bad blood if she feels that you have gone behind her back.

Check your ego at the door

Even if you think you’re a shoo-in for the job, make sure you put your best foot forward. Express your interest in the role rather than expect that you will be asked directly. Assume that there will be competition for the job – whether internal or external – and put as much effort into the application as you would for a job outside of the company.

Make it obvious you’re right for the job

Just as in any interview, you need to make it as easy as possible for the manager to picture you doing well in the job. Think about what’s important in the new role and focus on what skills and experience you have already that can easily be transferred. For example, let’s say you’re going for your first management role, give examples that showcase your strengths in leadership and team building, rather than individual achievements. Arm yourself with stats and concrete examples – back up your selling points with evidence of your success. To really seal the deal, let your advocates do the talking for you; if you know others in the business who think you’ll be great in the role, ask for their recommendation.