How to Ask for a Promotion

How to Ask for a Promotion

Promotions don't just happen—you must advocate for yourself. Here's how to successfully navigate the promotion process in Nigerian companies.

When to Ask for a Promotion

You're Ready If:

• You've been in your current role for 18-24+ months
• You consistently exceed performance expectations
• You're already doing work at the next level
• You've taken on additional responsibilities
• You've received positive performance reviews
• The company is financially stable (avoid asking during layoffs)

Best Timing:

• Annual review period: When promotions are typically discussed
• After major wins: Just completed a big project successfully
• During organizational changes: New roles are being created
• When your boss is happy: After company/team success

Worst Timing:

• Company financial troubles or layoffs
• Your first 6 months in the role
• Right after making a mistake
• During your boss's busy/stressful period

Building Your Case (Start 3-6 Months Early)

1. Document Your Achievements

Keep a "wins folder" with:

• Quantifiable results (increased revenue by X%, reduced costs by Y₦)
• Projects delivered on time/under budget
• Positive feedback from clients, colleagues, or managers
• New skills learned and certifications earned
• Problems you solved proactively

Example Achievement Statements:

• "Increased department efficiency by 30% by implementing new workflow automation"
• "Managed ₦50M budget with zero overspend across 12 months"
• "Trained and mentored 5 junior team members, 3 of whom were promoted"
• "Exceeded sales targets by 25% for 3 consecutive quarters"

2. Understand the Next Role

Research what's expected at the next level:

• Job description/requirements for target role
• Salary range in Nigerian market
• Skills gap you need to address
• Who currently holds similar roles (observe their work)

3. Start Acting at the Next Level

• Volunteer for leadership opportunities
• Take initiative on strategic projects
• Mentor junior colleagues
• Contribute to team/company beyond your job description
• Build relationships across departments

4. Get Allies in Your Corner

• Your manager: Keep them updated on your goals
• Mentor: Get advice and coaching
• Senior leaders: Make your work visible to decision-makers
• HR: Understand formal promotion process and timeline

The Promotion Conversation

Step 1: Schedule the Meeting

Email your manager:

Subject: Request for Meeting - Career Development Discussion
Hi [Manager's Name],
I would like to schedule 30 minutes to discuss my career development and growth opportunities at [Company]. I've been reflecting on my contributions over the past [X months/years] and would value your guidance on next steps.
Would you have time next week for this conversation?
Thank you,
[Your Name]

Step 2: Structure Your Pitch

Opening (2 minutes):

"Thank you for making time. I wanted to discuss my career progression. I've really enjoyed my [X months/years] as [Current Title], and I'm interested in exploring opportunities to take on the [Target Role]. I'd like to share my thinking and hear your perspective."

Present Your Case (5-7 minutes):

1. Your contributions: Share 3-5 key achievements with measurable impact
2. Additional responsibilities: Highlight work beyond your job description
3. Alignment with next role: Show you understand requirements and are already performing at that level
4. Value to company: Explain how promoting you benefits the organization

Example Pitch:

"Over the past 2 years as Marketing Officer, I've consistently exceeded my targets. Specifically, I led the social media campaign that increased our followers by 150% and generated ₦20M in sales. I've also taken initiative to mentor two junior marketers and manage our agency relationships, which wasn't in my original job description.

I've been researching the Marketing Manager role and I believe I'm ready for that next step. I'm already handling budgets up to ₦5M, leading cross-functional projects, and presenting to senior leadership. I'm confident that in a Marketing Manager role, I can drive even greater impact, particularly in expanding our digital presence across Nigeria."

Ask for Feedback (5-10 minutes):

• "What's your perspective on my readiness for [Target Role]?"
• "Are there any gaps I should work on?"
• "What's the timeline and process for promotions here?"
• "What can I do to strengthen my case?"

Discuss Next Steps:

• "If you agree I'm ready, what are the next steps?"
• "Who else needs to be involved in this decision?"
• "Is there a formal review process or timeline I should be aware of?"
• "Can we set a follow-up meeting in [2-4 weeks] to discuss progress?"

Handling Different Responses

Response 1: "Yes, let me see what I can do"

• Good sign! But get specifics
• Ask: "What's the timeline?" and "What do you need from me?"
• Follow up in writing summarizing next steps
• Schedule check-in in 2-3 weeks

Response 2: "You're not ready yet. Here's why..."

• Don't get defensive—listen carefully
• Ask: "What specific skills/experiences do I need to develop?"
• Ask: "If I achieve [X, Y, Z], can we revisit this in 6 months?"
• Create a development plan with measurable milestones
• Schedule formal check-in in 3-6 months

Response 3: "There's a promotion freeze" or "Budget constraints"

• Ask: "When would be a better time to revisit this?"
• Explore alternatives: "Could we discuss a title change or expanded responsibilities without budget impact?"
• Consider: "Would a performance-based bonus be possible in the meantime?"
• Set timeline: "Can we schedule a review when the freeze lifts?"

Response 4: "We value you, but we can't promote you right now"

• Ask directly: "Is there a path to promotion here, or should I explore external opportunities?"
• Be prepared to job search if the answer is vague or negative
• Sometimes the only way to get promoted is to change companies

After the Conversation

Follow Up in Writing:

Subject: Thank You - Career Development Discussion
Hi [Manager's Name],
Thank you for our conversation today about my career progression. I appreciate your feedback and support.
To summarize our discussion:
- I will focus on [specific development areas mentioned]
- We'll reconvene in [timeframe] to review progress
- Next steps include [action items]
I'm committed to [specific goals] and look forward to continuing this conversation.
Best regards,
[Your Name]

Create Action Plan:

• Address any skill gaps mentioned
• Take on stretch assignments
• Document continued wins
• Keep your manager updated on progress

If You're Denied Without Clear Path Forward

Option 1: Stay and Try Again

• Give it 6-12 more months
• Overperform and document everything
• Ask again with stronger case

Option 2: Look Externally

• Often easier to get promoted by changing companies
• Can negotiate 20-40% salary increase with job change
• Target next-level roles at other Nigerian companies
• Don't resign until you have an offer in hand

Negotiating Promotion Package

Beyond Title and Salary, Negotiate:

• Signing bonus (to make up for delayed promotion)
• Increased annual leave days
• Training/certification budget
• Flexible work arrangements
• Team/budget you'll manage

Salary Expectations:

Typical promotion increases in Nigeria:

• Internal promotion: 15-30% salary increase
• Lateral move with new responsibilities: 10-20%
• External job change to higher role: 25-50%

Nigerian Workplace Context

Hierarchy & Respect:

• Be assertive but respectful (Nigerian corporate culture values deference to authority)
• Frame promotion as benefiting the company, not just you
• Acknowledge your manager's support and mentorship

Loyalty Expectations:

• Many Nigerian companies value loyalty and tenure
• If you've been there 3+ years, emphasize commitment to organization
• However, don't let "loyalty" be used to delay your growth

Gender Dynamics:

• Women may face additional barriers to promotion in Nigeria
• Be prepared to advocate more strongly
• Seek female mentors in leadership
• Document achievements meticulously to counter bias

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Threatening to leave as negotiation tactic (only do this if you mean it)
• Comparing yourself to colleagues ("I deserve it more than...")
• Being vague ("I think I deserve a promotion" without evidence)
• Asking too early (less than 12 months in role)
• Not having a plan B if denied

Self-Assessment Checklist

Before asking for promotion, honestly assess:

• □ I've been in this role for 18+ months
• □ I consistently exceed expectations (not just meet)
• □ I have 5+ documented major achievements
• □ I've taken on responsibilities beyond my job description
• □ I understand what the next role requires
• □ I'm already performing at that level
• □ My manager has given positive feedback
• □ The company is financially stable
• □ I'm prepared to leave if denied without good reason

If you checked 7+, you're likely ready to have the conversation!