What to consider before accepting a job promotion

Contrary to popular belief, job promotions aren’t always clear cut. There’s plenty to consider like company culture, support and resources, fair compensation, and many more

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Getting an offer for a promotion at your workplace is a great sign that your hard work has finally paid off — plus you’re moving up the ranks! As gratifying as this may be, it’s important to keep a cool head to ensure that you’re making the right decision. Much like anything life changing, job promotions require careful thought about, not only the salary increase but, job responsibility, work culture, personal developments and so forth.

HR Practitioner at the National Metrology Institute Katlego Kgothatso Tlholoe says there are a few general questions that can help you decide on whether or not to accept a promotion: “Does it form part of your career goals? Is it going to add value to your career? Are you ready to be a leader? Training and development, have you done all that is required for the job that you’re offered?” Additionally, you’d want to make sure that you’re committing to the right company. Tlholoe says the company’s mission, values and vision will guide you, “[so] if you don’t [relate to them then] that means you’re in the wrong company.”

According to Forbes, companies that are more gender diverse are 15% more likely to outperform others and those that are ethnically diverse are 35% more likely to do better than others. Tlholoe says self-evaluation plays a big role here because you can track your performance during the year, as well as your self-development to objectively assess if it is a fair placement. She, however, adds that “you can take the position even if you’re not fully equipped and then they can train while you’re on the job.”

At the same time, there are some companies that don’t do on-the-job training, instead they expect you to hit the ground running. “You either give your employer two options; take the position and specify areas where you’ll need training based on your development plan, or don’t take it and develop yourself further.” However, if you choose the former, Tlholoe says the employer won’t revoke the offer because “in most cases they give you a timeframe within which you’ll have to completed a specified amount of courses”.

As far as your salary is concerned, Tlholoe says companies will most likely offer you what’s metric related. Even though you may compare what other companies are offering for the same position, the employer can argue that companies are not the same and that their finances differ. To avoid possibly being exploited, Tlholoe suggests having a salary range to negotiate on while using your qualifications and experience as leverage for a higher salary.

It’s clearly important to remember that while promotions may be a good sign that you’re progressing well in your respective career, you are the most important part of the job; so your number one priority should be you and the rest comes second.

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