In this article, we will explore the best steps to take if you applied for a promotion but did not get it. It can be difficult to ask for a promotion or a raise at work, whether you are in a formal interview for a position or simply inquiring during a conversation with your manager. If your request is accepted, that’s great, but what happens if you are passed over and your request is denied?
Be aware that it may not be about you
One thing to keep in mind is that this decision is not necessarily personal or a reflection of the level of work you do for the company. Sometimes, the decision is a result of budget constraints, office policies, staffing levels, or the presence of other employees with longer tenure at the company or other candidates with more experience, or other factors. When promoting employees, companies must follow non-discriminatory practices similar to those they follow when hiring. The same criteria should apply to all applicants for the promotion, and the decision must be based on your qualifications for the position. In some cases, there may be other candidates who better fit the job requirements.
Allow yourself to feel your feelings
If you need some time to vent and complain, that’s understandable. Your feelings are valid and completely justified. Being passed over for a promotion is frustrating. And if you had to interview for a position, that takes a lot of time too. Give yourself some time to process all your emotions. Tell a friend, for example, and let that person buy you a drink or a cup of coffee and listen to your story. It may be easier to accept the difficult situation when you have someone who understands helping you cope with it.
Evaluate your promotion request
You may also want to think about the reasons for your feelings, whatever they may be. Was this promotion going to be your dream job, or just a better title? Or is it disappointment about not getting a raise or positive feedback? Self-evaluation can help you think about your next steps:
- If you are happy with the type of work you are doing but want more money, it might be better for you to look for a job with another company.
- If the promotion requires you to have different new skills that you want to develop, you might look for ways to gain those skills and add them to your toolkit.
- Finally, try to look at the situation from an outsider’s perspective. Did you deserve the promotion? If you are doing the work outlined in your current job description but not going above and beyond, it may make sense that you did not get the promotion. And if you asked for the promotion in a deserving manner but did not provide a strong argument justifying why you deserve the promotion, that might be a clue as to why you did not get it.
Stay professional at work
If you want to complain or cry or vent, do so with your friends and family. At work, in conversations with your manager, do your best to keep things professional. If you hear the news during a personal conversation with your manager, be polite in your response. You might want to say, “Thank you for considering my request.”
Tip: This situation can be awkward for everyone, and your gracious response will be appreciated.
Ask for feedback from your manager
In the days following the news, try to reach out to your manager or higher-level decision-makers to see if they can provide feedback on why you did not receive the promotion. Find out what you can do to become eligible for the promotion in the future.
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You may receive just encouraging phrases in response. People often feel confused when sharing feedback. But you can also get actionable advice. Perhaps you are missing a key skill that you could acquire by attending a training course or volunteering for a new project. Or maybe your work in a specific area needs improvement.
Tip: If you find that the feedback is vague, you can try asking specific questions, such as “Is there a specific skill you’d like me to work on?”
Avoid the Desire to Compare
If you didn’t get the promotion and a colleague did, it can be hard to deal with. Avoid the desire to compare yourself with others around you. This won’t bring you any closer to the promotion and will make you look naive if you bring it up with your manager.
Plan a Career Strategy
Do you feel that a promotion might be on the way for you in the future, or does it seem like you’ll always be passed over in this company? If it applies to the latter, it may make sense to update your resume and start looking for a new job. Even if it applies to the former, you may want to set a timeline for making the changes that will make the promotion more likely, and then schedule a date to meet with your manager again and present your request.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Should I resign if I don’t get a promotion?
The reason you didn’t get the promotion may not relate to your qualifications for the job. Before you decide to stay or resign, try to understand the process and decision as much as possible. See if there are future opportunities for advancement in your current job or if it makes sense to consider looking for a new job.
Can an employer promote me without a raise?
Not all promotions come with a pay raise, and an employer is not required to give you a raise unless you are covered by a union agreement or company policy that outlines the guidelines for raises during promotions. A study by OfficeTeam indicates that 39% of companies offer promotion opportunities without a pay raise.
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Sources:
The Balance uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts presented in our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and maintain the accuracy, reliability, and quality of our content.
Source: U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. “I’m Recruiting, Hiring or Promoting Employees.” Robert Half, OfficeTeam. “More Companies Offering Promotions Without Raises — And Many Workers Willing To Accept Them.”
Source: https://www.thebalancemoney.com/what-to-do-after-you-don-t-get-a-job-promotion-4692181
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