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Advocating for yourself at work can be intimidating, but it’s essential for career growth. No one knows your skills and contributions better than you, so if you don’t speak up, who will? Whether you’re asking for a raise, a promotion, or new responsibilities, these strategies will help you navigate the conversation with confidence.
Asking to Take on New Responsibilities
If you’re hoping to take on more responsibilities at work in order to expand your skill set and prepare you for future career growth, you often have to ask for it! Here are some ways to make a professional request for taking on new tasks:
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Identify opportunities. Look for gaps in the team that you could help fill or identify upcoming projects you may be able to take the lead on.
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Frame your request as a benefit. Instead of making a general statement that you’d like to try something new, explain how your involvement can help the organization (e.g., “I noticed our client reports could be streamlined. I’d love to take the lead on improving this process”).
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Start small. While your initiative is sure to be appreciated, you might not be given big projects or tasks immediately. Don’t look at this as a refusal! If your manager is hesitant, propose a trial period or small-scale version of your idea to help show them you’re up to the challenge!
Asking for a Raise
Asking for a raise can be a difficult, sometimes awkward, situation to navigate. And while many people avoid having this conversation, be it due to fear or uncertainty, employees who take the plunge and negotiate their salary tend to earn more over their careers.
If you’re going to ask for a raise, here are a few tips to make it easier:
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Do your research. Research market salaries for your role, consider your contributions, and be prepared to show how you've added value to the company.
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Ask at the right time. Consider company performance, industry trends, and your recent accomplishments. Annual reviews, after a big win, or when taking on additional work are ideal times to broach the subject of increased pay.
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Be confident! Instead of “I need a raise because of inflation,” be specific. Try, “Over the past year, I’ve led [specific projects] that [measurable results]. Based on industry standards and my contributions, I’d like to discuss a salary adjustment.” Using clear, data-driven reasoning will be more impactful.
Pitching Yourself for a Promotion
Getting a promotion at work isn’t always something that happens automatically. The best way to make it happen? Advocate for yourself! Here are some ideas:
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Be clear on what you want. Are you looking for a title change and an increase in responsibility? Are you hoping for a bump in your salary? Make sure you know what you want to get out of the promotion before requesting it!
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Build your case. Assess your job performance during your time with the company. Have you mastered all the tasks of your current position? Are you meeting your annual goals? How have your work and achievements positively impacted the company?
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Take initiative before you ask. If you’re seeking a leadership role, start taking on tasks that align with the position you’re hoping for (e.g., mentoring colleagues, taking ownership of projects). Demonstrating that you’re already operating at the next level makes it easier for decision-makers to see you as the right fit for the promotion.
Final Thoughts
Like any skill, self-advocacy gets easier with practice. Even if you’re not ready to ask for a raise or promotion, you can build confidence by starting small with things like requesting feedback, sharing your career goals, or taking initiative on a project that aligns with your interests.
They say, “Good things come to those who wait,” but in reality, great things come to those who ask for them!
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