Most people would love to get a promotion at least once or twice in their lives. It’s not just an opportunity to earn more money. A promotion is also a chance to put your skills to the test and explore different challenges.

You might even find that a promotion helps you achieve your dream job, where you spend more time doing the things you enjoy and less time on repetitive tasks.

Unfortunately, getting the promotion you deserve isn’t always as simple as it seems. You can wait patiently, putting in 110% every day and hoping someone notices. However, the reality is sometimes you’ll need to ask for the role you want.

Here’s your guide to asking for a promotion (the right way).

Decide What You Want Your New Position to Look Like

Asking for a promotion isn’t the same as asking for a raise. You’re requesting a change to your day-to-day tasks and activities. In light of this, it’s important to plan things out. Start by developing a clear vision of what you want your new role to look like before discussing any potential changes with your manager.

For instance, are you looking for the chance to spend more time working with clients? If so, it can help to get some examples of times when you successfully communicated with clients in the past.

Ask About The Promotion Process

Rather than just walking up to your boss and asking outright for a better job, it’s often better to start by getting an idea of what the promotion process looks like. Start a conversation with your superior about what it takes to get a promotion and what kind of steps you’d need to take to get things moving.

Starting an informal dialogue about the promotion process will give you some valuable information you can use later.

For instance, you might discover that it’s not your manager that handles promotions, but the team supervisor. You may also learn that you need to complete certain training sessions before you can be considered for roles in management or leadership.

Research The New Position

If you know the title of the new job you’re trying to get, the best thing you can do is research it.Do you have all the skills, characteristics, and education a person in your ideal role needs?

Research will help you to determine whether you’re the ideal choice for the role, or whether you need to do some work before you can get promoted.

If you want to fill the position of someone who is leaving your company, you can also talk to them about what they needed to do to get the role originally. Check in on what their day-to-day activities involve so you can prepare.

Create A Plan of Action With Your Manager

Once you know what’s expected of you and you think you’re the right person for the job, speak to your manager. Outline your track record with tasks that someone in the new position needs to handle.

For instance, if you’re applying for a leadership role, you could draw attention to times you’ve acted as a leader in the past, to the benefit of the company.

Don’t just tell your employer that you want the job and you deserve to have it. This could lead to a negative relationship between the two of you. Instead, highlight your desire to move into the new position and explain how the promotion will be beneficial to the business (not just to you).

Offer to take on additional training or shadow someone in the role you want. Show your willingness to make the transition work.

Remember to Get the Timing Right

Finally, try to get the timing of your request right. While it’s often difficult to find the perfect time to ask for a promotion, some moments are better than others.

For instance, if you’ve just received an amazing performance review from your manager and he asks what you want to accomplish next, this is the perfect time to discuss your options regarding promotion.