INTHEBLACK December 2025 / January 2026 - Magazine - Page 45
THE
PERFECT
PROMOTION
PITCH
Asking to take on a more senior
role is an important step in any
career. What needs to be considered,
included and omitted for the best
chance of success?
WORDS MEGAN BREEN
I
t is a conversation many people dread. Without
the right preparation and attitude, asking for
a promotion can lead to awkwardness and anxiety,
missed opportunities and job dissatisfaction.
On the other hand, when done strategically
and supported with evidence of accomplishments,
an understanding of a professional’s value to the
organisation, and timing aligned with company
goals, the conversation about next steps can be
a fruitful one.
A request for promotion is best presented
as a strategic business proposal, says workplace
transformation consultant and facilitator Prina Shah.
This means keeping emotion out of the discussion.
“It is a business conversation, not a personal plea,
so it needs to be grounded in evidence and directly
linked to the company’s goals and outcomes.”
Consider the following points when the time comes
to have a conversation about the next promotion,
whether aiming for a leadership role, a title change
or expanded responsibilities.
CONFIRM READINESS
Before considering a pitch, make sure to show that
you are consistently exceeding expectations in your
current role by meeting goals, delivering quality work
and potentially taking on extra duties, advises
Melanie Marx, co-founder of New Zealand-based
HR business People & Culture.
Pulling together evidence that shows a person
has the skills and competencies needed, as well
as examples of where they have taken initiative,
will help lead the conversation when the time is right.
“Start by compiling your accomplishments
in your current role, especially those with numbers
or concrete results,” suggests Marx. In finance
and accounting, this could include examples
of implementing new budgeting processes that
reduce variance, finding cost savings of $X for a client
or improving monthly close speed.
TAKE THE INITIATIVE
Open communication is fundamental for navigating
any career path and is particularly crucial when
seeking promotion or a salary increase, says
Gina Morley, associate director at AccountAbility
Recruitment.
“It is about being informed and informing others,
which ensures that when discussions about promotion
or salary arise, you are presenting evidence of how
you’ve already met the predefined goals.”
Mentoring a colleague, stepping up during
a manager’s absence or showing interest in other
areas of the business are all good examples that
THE ART OF MODERN LEADERSHIP intheblack.cpaaustralia.com.au 45
