Common Errors in Job Interviews and Expert Advice for Enhancement
In the world of business, career advancement is not just about talent and hard work, but also about timing. This is according to executive coach Andrea Wasserman, who has extensive experience hiring, promoting, and evaluating employees at leading companies like Nordstrom, Verizon, and Yahoo.
One common timing mistake is bringing up career goals during the first meeting with a new manager. It's better to focus on understanding the manager's priorities and delivering results before discussing growth and next steps. This approach allows you to establish credibility and demonstrate your value to the team.
Another timing mistake is asking for a promotion or salary increase shortly after a recent promotion. This can come off as self-centered and may signal a lack of focus on the current role. Instead, the timing of a request for a raise or promotion should align with when you have demonstrated clear results, established credibility, and positioned yourself in the broader business context.
Leading through uncertain times can make an employee more valuable and position them well for a promotion. However, it's important to consider the company's situation and the team's needs before making a request. It is not feasible to request a promotion during budget freezes, departmental restructuring, or immediately after missing target goals.
Preparing to present a case for a promotion should involve considering the supervisor's perspective, the team or company's situation, and whether the timing makes it easier or harder to get a 'yes'. Building credibility and aligning with business needs can improve chances of career advancement.
Career growth should be a regular topic of conversation with a supervisor or the HR department to clarify expectations and position oneself for a promotion. Keeping a record of changes and discussing them during feedback or check-in meetings with a manager can help avoid timing mistakes.
It's too soon to ask for a promotion if one hasn't addressed doubts about their potential after receiving feedback. Many employees who were rejected for promotions were just as talented and hardworking as those who were approved. Some were rejected due to not noticing the uncertain overarching context. Big requests for career growth should not come out of nowhere and require a proven track record, a clear narrative, relationships, and often a process.
Executive Coach Andrea Wasserman emphasizes that timing is crucial in promotion decisions. It can come off as self-centered to immediately ask about promotion opportunities before the manager understands the employee's role and their own. If someone has received feedback but hasn't implemented it yet, a promotion request signals a lack of accountability and self-awareness.
In conclusion, timing plays a significant role in career advancement. By understanding the company's situation, focusing on delivering results, and considering the supervisor's perspective, employees can improve their chances of getting a 'yes' when it comes to promotions and salary increases.
