I have been at my current job for about 6 months.

9 Comments

1. AnonymousJanuary 14,2022 at 5:08AM UTC

   I hope it's not a dangling carrot. Could you ask what courses or certifications or training you might need to take (even informally) while you get to the promotion? Then the manager can give more details about exactly how this is going to happen.

2. Kim CallinanJanuary 14,2022 at 7:06PM UTC

   I would just ask, "I wanted to check in with you about my level in the company. You mentioned at one point that you thought I was at a higher level than I am. I've been here about 6 months now, and I do feel like I'm performing at the higher level. I wanted to check in with you to see what you thought." And then listen to what they say. Mostly ask questions. But also be patient. If you like the job waiting another 6 months is really not that big a deal at the end of the day.

3. Barb HansenJanuary 15,2022 at 8:41PM UTC

   Set a meeting with your manager (or set one of your regular one-on-ones) to discuss your desire to be promoted.

   Ask for the specific items that are used to determine who get's promoted. Who in the company makes the decision? Are there any outside factors that determine who and how many people get promoted? Are there any high profile projects that you can work on to increase your visibility in the company?

   It seems like your manager is supportive of you getting a promotion, so lean into their support and use it :)

4. AnonymousJanuary 16,2022 at 3:35PM UTC

   Having many questions about the type of work environment you are in would help me in giving an appropriate response to your inquiry. I will try, though: A traditional business, nonprofit or independent environment would have given you access to an HR manual that should outline the "steps" to promotion upon new employee intake. Any city-county-state-federal-military environment has all of the pertinent information re: promotional steps given to a new hire on their first day, within a new employee manual, and / or available online through their HR department or division. By telling us that your manager "made it (i.e., 'promotion') seem like it's possible it could happen," is an opinion and not a guarantee. Is your manager directly responsible for promotions within your work environment, or does (s)he answer to a higher authority that has the necessary steps to make a promotional decision? Since you have stated that the "promotion process seems pretty structured, usually not happening until at least 1 year," I'd have to agree to a point with Frankie's suggestion below: "In the interim to manage your expectations, I would hope for the best and expect the worst...meaning that there is a possibility that there will be no exceptions granted and you'll have to wait the year or more. Just keep being a rock star and your time will come." If you are that frustrated with either the length of the process, a lack of follow-through by your manager who offered an opinion and not a guarantee which may appear to be perceived as misleading to you, or any other general dissatisfactions, you might wish to consider taking one of three possible actions: 1. ensuring you are following all criteria for promotion, which may include taking on some added duties / classes that enhance and reinforce your responsibilities within your position; 2. making a lateral move within the organization you are in, if possible; or, 3. look for a position outside the organization you are currently in. Again, depending upon the authority of your manager, your options of choice will vary. You could always request a second conversation with your manager about the process of promotion, but, usually, having been in an organization (usually larger ones) for only six months does not necessarily give a new hire much latitude for a request for promotion, as a one year probationary period is more the norm. I wish you success.

5. AnonymousJanuary 18,2022 at 6:27PM UTC

   Update from poster: Thank you all so much for taking the time to give me advice, it is truly appreciated! I spoke with my manager today and I will need to wait until mid-2022 for any kind of raise/promotion (my 1-year mark). I kind of suspected that going into the conversation, but my manager seems to want to advocate for me which is great. In the meantime, I’ll do everything I can to continue to help my team and grow in the process.

6. AnonymousJune 9,2022 at 3:01PM UTC

   Since this is now mid 2022, curious if your manager followed through

7. AnonymousJune 9,2022 at 7:36PM UTC

   Thanks for following up! My manager did follow through and recommended that I apply for an internal position at the next level. I applied, was interviewed, and got the job. Everyone's advice on this post was really helpful and I'm grateful!

8. AnonymousJanuary 26,2022 at 1:15AM UTC

   Another update from poster: my manager told me I am actually 2 positions below where I should be. My manager wants to recommend me to move up 2 levels, but can’t guarantee it’ll happen. Thoughts? I will say it’s a bit disheartening that it seems like I can’t even be moved up 1 position in the meantime, if I’m so far below where I should be. Thoughts?

9. Chloe ShauckFebruary 3,2022 at 12:16AM UTC

   Great to hear you already had some conversation with your manager!

   I had a goals conversation with my new boss (been in position for 2 months) about advancement opportunities in this role in regards to goals. And my biggest take away I think that may help you would be to do your job like you are already in the position you want to show that you can work at that level. Another thing would be to look for ways that you can help improve processes/systems/sales etc to show that you take initiative and can bring value to the company outside of your role.