Interview Question: When Do You Expect A Promotion?
This article will provide a guide on the best way to answer the interview question- when do you expect a promotion?
The dream of every employee is to climb up the ladder at their place of work. When you work hard and it pays off, you have a sense of fulfillment. Also, career growth and progression can be measured by some rubric; amongst which is promotion. Getting a promotion in your place of work is a sign that you are doing well. It also bodes well and comes in handy during the performance review. There is a feeling of satisfaction and contentment attached to getting a promotion at the workplace.
Arguably, many employees see a single job as a temporary role on the way to a more ideal and spectacular career. This spurns them to give in their best and do well. In addition, you would definitely or likely want a promotion to move up to the next level in your place of work regardless of the level or degree of your aspirations. Therefore, requesting for a promotion can be fruitful or successful when you time it right; make sure that you are qualified and that the situation is right before asking.
During interviews, hiring managers ask specific questions that come with a specific purpose or goal. Some of the questions are asked to test your loyalty; on the other hand, some interviewers asked specific questions to see and decipher how you handle a difficult question. Relatively, other questions are asked to see how well you lie. Additionally, hiring managers ask a myriad of questions because they are expecting a truthful answer from job seekers. However, some questions are asked during interviews in very rare cases because they have no wrong answer. The interviewer is merely interested in knowing how well you can navigate through such questions. Also, the hiring manager is curious about what your thoughts are to see if you have an interesting answer or not. A perfect example of such an interview question is when do you expect a promotion? Hence, the right way to answer this interview question will be discussed in this article and tips will be provided to guide you appropriately.
Key Tips to Consider Before Answering the Interview Question
You should consider the following tips before you attempt to answer the interview question being discussed;
- Ensure that you include a good explanation when answering the question: Don’t give a vague answer; give a good, related, and thorough explanation when answering. The interviewer wants to see how creative you can be.
- Avoid acting as though you will not deserve a promotion: You don’t have to be modest; every employee is expected to target career growth and progression. Thus, don’t act as though you wouldn’t deserve a promotion when due, it is a turn-off for most employers and hiring managers.
- Avoid acting as though you had not considered it: Again, you are expected to give an honest answer to this question. Every employee and potential employee must have considered getting a promotion one way or the other.
How to Answer the Interview Question- When Do You Expect a Promotion?
While there is no consensus on the best way to answer the question when do you expect a promotion? The following can suffice;
- When you are ready to grow in your career
- When you have taken on increased responsibility
- When you have made progress on identified development areas
- When your work has visibly impacted the organization
When you are ready to grow in your career: Career growth and progression is undoubtedly the ultimate goal of every employee. Hence, it is normal to want to pursue more growth in the organization or company by asking for a promotion, especially if you have held your current position or role for some time. You likely possess familiarity with company procedures and understand the main requirements and processes of the job title above you. This should give you an advantage over others. Moreover, most organizations prefer to fill positions by promoting workers that are already in the system; this saves them time and resources when compared to recruiting someone new. Having been in the company for a while, it is believed that you know and have the basic knowledge needed. Similarly, the organization already knows you and your level of commitment and the quality of work you produce.
When you have taken on increased responsibility: If you have taken on more responsibility than your current role, it could be a great time to ask for a promotion. Take a good and thorough look at your job description and assess if your current tasks reflect it. While a position’s duties can change over time, a significant increase especially in management or leadership roles could reflect a deserved promotion. Hence, you should book or schedule a meeting with your manager to discuss the expectations of your current role and how your new responsibilities could fit into a greater or higher role.
When you have made progress on identified development areas: Every organization or business has developmental goals and areas; your ability to progress effectively in such areas can allow you to ask for a promotion. Most employees carry out employee reviews and give you feedback on your performance after the first four to six months. You can ask for a promotion if you discover that you have made tremendous progress and excelled in developmental areas that have been identified and listed as pre-requisites for the next position or role. However, you should ensure that you write down and take notes of your performance to take to the supervisor.
When your work has visibly impacted the organization: Your work needs to make an impact on any organization. If your work has a measurable and quantifiable impact on the organization, you may have a genuine and good case to ask for a promotion. Also, try and consider your achievement and accomplishments in the prevailing four to six months, and evaluate the effects of your work on team members and the organization at large. If you discover that you have made a visible impact, you can go ahead and ask for a promotion.
Things to Avoid When Answering the Question
- Avoid naming specific dates or timelines; it is a red flag for most employers and organizations.
- Do not sound or look desperate when answering the question.
- Don’t give a vague answer; most hiring managers and interviewers want to see how creative and innovative you can be.
Sample Answers to the Question: When Do You Expect a Promotion?
- I hope that I continue to earn more responsibilities over time. I would not necessarily consider it a promotion. Promotion is going to be based on positions becoming available and my suitability for the role. Instead, I plan to continue to earn responsibilities as time passes and if those responsibilities result in a change of title, so be it.
- I believe that promotions are the result of hard work and a positive attitude, but I’ve never expected one at any job I’ve had. I think it is important for an employee to prove themselves to the management before considering the advancement of any kind. I have an interest in moving up within the organization but I know I will have to earn that opportunity.