Common Blunders in Job Interviews, as Revealed by an Expert, and their Remedies
In the dynamic world of business, promotions and career advancement are not just about individual performance, but also about timing and context. This is a lesson emphasised by executive coach Andrea Wasserman, who boasts extensive experience in hiring, promoting, and evaluating employees at prominent companies such as Nordstrom, Verizon, and Yahoo.
Wasserman highlights that some employees, despite deserving a promotion, may unintentionally reduce their chances by failing to consider the overall context of the company. Instead, leaders want to see employees take feedback, apply it, and grow from it before considering a promotion.
Promotions and salary increases, Wasserman stresses, are business decisions, not rewards for individual performance or gifts. This means that changes in company structure or pressure on the company can significantly affect promotion opportunities.
One common mistake, according to Wasserman, is asking for a raise or promotion too soon. For instance, an employee who asks for a promotion immediately after a promotion, or before understanding the manager's priorities and challenges, may come off as inappropriate. Similarly, asking for a promotion before having acted on feedback or before establishing credibility within the broader business context is also ill-timed.
Wasserman identifies five common timing mistakes in pursuing promotions. She advises employees to start discussing career goals after being in a role for six to twelve months, and to make career growth a regular topic of conversation with supervisors or the human resources department.
However, it's not just about asking at the right time. Preparing to present a case for a promotion requires putting oneself in the supervisor's shoes, assessing the current situation in the team or company, and considering whether the timing makes it easier or harder to get a 'yes'. For example, if a key project fails or there is feedback on leading meetings, and the person hasn't acted on it yet, the timing for a promotion request is off.
In uncertain times, showing patience and stability can improve your position for future promotions. This means being willing to adapt, being flexible, and demonstrating resilience. Building credibility and aligning with business needs can also significantly improve chances of professional advancement.
It's worth noting that some talented and ambitious employees have been turned down for promotions despite their skills and hard work. This underscores the importance of timing and context in the promotion process.
Unfortunately, there is no available information regarding which companies Wasserman previously worked with or the length of her tenure in these companies before requesting a promotion or raise.
In conclusion, navigating promotions and career advancement requires a strategic approach that considers both individual performance and the broader business context. Timing is crucial, and employees must be prepared to demonstrate their growth, align with business needs, and understand their supervisor's priorities and challenges.
