Best evidence to show your boss when asking for a promotion

Keep a record of your workload and your wins so you are always prepared for a promotion. Experts reveal the best evidence to get you across the line.

Workers must understand their value and have evidence to back it up when applying for an internal promotion or a role in a new organisation.

Simply asking a boss or hirer to take their word for it will not be enough – particularly in today’s competitive job market.

Workplace expert Michelle Gibbings says everyone brings useful skills and ways of operating to the work they do but they must be able to clearly articulate that value and how it can help an organisation or client achieve their objectives.

“Having evidence to back up your claims is critical,” she says.

“Whether you are a teacher, health professional, working in professional services or consulting, or working in an office role, keep a record of key tasks and projects you have completed, including the benefits of the work and where possible, have quantifiable metrics.

“Don’t forget to include times when you exceeded expectations and volunteered for extra work such as organising a social event or supported the office’s charity fundraising.”

Michelle Gibbings says performance claims need to be backed up by evidence. Picture: Supplied

Gibbings, the author of Bad Boss: What To Do If You Work For One, Manage One Or Are One, warns workers against underselling themselves but also says they should be careful not to claim credit for work that is not theirs.

“If it was a team effort, appreciate the group effort and detail your contribution,” she says.

“Also, never criticise the work or effort of others.”

Gibbings recommends having a continual process for gathering evidence throughout the year, not just when someone asks for it.

Evidence helps a boss feel comfortable giving you the job. Picture: iStock

As soon as a key piece of work is complete, it should be recorded with a photograph, data, comment or report.

“Keeping your evidence is simple,” she says.

“It can be an electronic notebook, a Word document, Excel spreadsheet or using tools such OneNote or Evernote.

“Ensure you store the evidence in one location, so it is easy to find.

“It can also help to have a dedicated folder in your inbox, so when a relevant email comes in you file it for easy reference later.”

Gibbings recommends keeping a portfolio of work to anyone who “creates or enhances” as part of their role – not just photographers and artists.

“For example graphic designers, carpenters, plumbers, builders, hairdressers, and beauticians can have pictures of their work and even ‘before and after’ shots,” she says.

She also recommends keeping a log of any awards and achievements, and taking photos or screenshots of thank you notes from customers or colleagues.

If the role involves dealing with clients, she says workers can also proactively ask for a recommendation or endorsement based on the work they have delivered.

Gallagher Bassett’s John Deane has perfected the art of promotion prep. Picture: Supplied

Gallagher Bassett self insurance operations manager John Deane says now is a good time to be preparing for a promotion.

He has been in his role for a few months, having been promoted from a previous role as operations manager in the Northern Territory.

He has moved states four times in five years, going where the opportunities have taken him.

“With many businesses contracting, they are trying to do more with less,” he says.

“This can present you with an opportunity to learn new skills and take on new responsibilities. “In the short term, this is unlikely to result in an immediate promotion, but this situation will not last, businesses will come out the other side (and) when they do, you will be best placed to grow with the business.”

Deane says the key to landing a promotion is to treat every day as though it is a job interview and to have objective evidence and metrics that back up any performance-based claims.

“Feedback from clients, peers, and team members can supplement the empirical data,” he says.

“This instils confidence in those making the decision that you will deliver.”