Unlike your experience in the military, promotions in the private (civilian) sector can be unpredictable.
Your climb to the next level of responsibility and leadership may have less to do with your technical acumen, your longevity in the job and merit scores in your current role. Getting promoted in the private sector can have more to do with your reputation, likeability, decisiveness and soft skills like your empathy, teamwork and work ethic.
Understanding Promotions at Your Employer
How and when companies entertain promoting employees is inconsistent and highly variable. One company may promote on a regular schedule – such as after 12 or 18 months of employment – while another might offer it only when an opening exists. Still another might promote “just because” they feel it’s deserved.
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If your post-military career has led you to work with several employers, understand that just because you were promoted after two years at one company, it doesn’t mean it will happen on that same schedule at the next one.
You’ll also need to understand the process for promotion:
- Will there be a formal interview?
- Will you need an updated resume?
- Will they speak to others on your team before deciding?
Learn about the parameters of the promotion system before you enter the process.
Before You Apply for the Promotion
When you feel ready to pursue a promotion, the work begins.
You’ll need to understand your current position (as a candidate) before you even apply. A common mistake that internal candidates make when applying for other positions or promotions in their current company is assuming they’re a “shoo-in” because they’re a known entity. Some companies prefer to hire from outside to bring in fresh views and knowledge, while others might see your familiarity as a bonus.
Never assume it’s one or the other before proceeding. Before you apply, ask yourself:
- How are you perceived by your team, your boss and others in the company? Are you well-liked and recognized for adding value? If there’s work to be done on your reputation, you may need to pause before applying.
- How does this promotion fit with your career goals? Getting a promotion for the sake of it won’t help you. Does this move your career in the right direction? Remember, the right promotion at the right time is the goal.
- Are you qualified for the promotion? If you would benefit from additional training, skill building or certifications, perhaps the time isn’t ideal to pursue it.
- Do you know what you offer to the role that others might not? Be clear on your value proposition and know your competition – inside and outside the company. This way, you can clearly and confidently set yourself apart.
- Will the people who’ll be asked say positive things about your candidacy? You might be well-liked by those around you, but will they advocate for your advancement? Do they view you as a leader? It’s good to know this before listing them as references.
Tips for the Promotion Interview
Treat the interview as you would any job interview. Remember to:
- Dress professionally (even if you’re normally more relaxed in appearance) to show respect for the process and interviewer.
- Prepare, plan and research in advance. Just because you currently work there doesn’t mean you’re well-versed, or current, on company strategy and planning. Learn all you can.
- Refrain from displaying arrogance. It may seem as though this doesn’t need to be said, but internal candidates sometimes bring an air of entitlement to the promotion conversation that can be off-putting to interviewers.
- Have good questions ready that build upon your inside knowledge as a current employee.
- Showcase how and why you’re ready for the promotion, how you’ll lead in this new role and link your responses to instances and examples from inside the company (as best you can).
- Follow up as you would with any other job interview. While you might work down the hall from the interviewer, keep the professional and respectful quality of your follow-up (a thank-you note) as part of the process.
You will bring some natural advantages to the promotion interview, but there can be liabilities as well. Speak with others who’ve been through the process at your employer to learn how best to leverage your institutional knowledge and familiarity before you enter the competition.
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