As one of Phoenix’s top recruiting agencies, PrideStaff knows that for most people, a promotion is cause for celebration. It means exciting challenges, expanded responsibilities, more money, and better benefits. However, for others, a promotion may come as a surprise – and not in a good way. If you’ve found yourself in this tricky situation, what should you do?
Start by following these tips:
Tip #1: Keep your options open.
Even if your first reaction to the promotion is negative, don’t turn it down right away. Take some time to think about – and the potential upside – before you say “no.” Perhaps this isn’t the ideal position for you, but could eventually help you land your dream job. So be gracious when it’s offered, take some time to think about it, and truly evaluate the ups and downs. Also, don’t forget to be flattered. Your company obviously values you if they’re willing to promote you.
Tip #2: Find out if there’s any wiggle room.
So the promotion doesn’t help you meet your career goals. But is there room for change? Think about what it is you ultimately want to do – and what aspects of the job could possibly be modified to help you get there. Or, if there’s a certain task or responsibility that comes with the job that’s incredibly unappealing to you, ask if it could be re-assigned to someone else. It’s possible the position could be structured a little differently to better align with your overall career goals.
Tip #3: Consider your unique situation.
For instance, if your company is restructuring and your old job is going away, your boss may simply be trying to save you from a layoff. If that’s the case, then the opportunity requires serious consideration, even if it’s not that appealing to you. After all, you can always start up a search for a new job if the promotion doesn’t work out. So you may just have to grit your teeth and accept it until you can find something else.
If this is the case, then look on the bright side. First, you still have a job. Also, you may learn some new skills or interesting ideas along the way. And finally, it’s typically easier to find a new job when you’re already employed.
Tip #4: Turn it down graciously.
If your final decision is to reject the offer, just make sure to turn it down graciously. Always, express your gratitude and commitment to the company. And rather than focusing on the negatives of the promotion, talk to your boss about where you see yourself instead and the type of work you enjoy doing most. That way, they can keep you in mind for better fit opportunities in the future.
Interested in getting promoted into a new job – one you’ll love?
Call the employment experts at PrideStaff. As one of Phoenix’s top recruiting agencies, we’re all about your job search success. We’ll take the time to get to know you and your career goals, so we can connect you with top employers and top jobs in Phoenix. Contact PrideStaff today to learn more.
