How to Prepare for a Promotion or Raise Conversation

Build a concise contribution record

Gather a small set of examples that show outcomes, ownership, and how your work supports team priorities. Focus on work you can explain clearly rather than trying to list every task you completed.

• Projects you led or materially improved.
• New responsibilities you have taken on consistently.
• Feedback, milestones, or operating improvements you can describe accurately.

Connect your evidence to the next role

Promotion conversations are about future scope as well as past performance. Compare the responsibilities you are handling with the responsibilities you want to take on, then ask what progression looks like on your team.

A useful prompt is: “I’d like to understand what would demonstrate readiness for the next level. Based on my current scope, what would you want to see from me next?”

Make a direct, workable request

Choose a meeting with enough time for a real discussion. State your goal, share your short evidence set, and ask for a concrete next step—whether that is a title review, a compensation review, or an agreed development plan.

If a decision cannot be made immediately, ask for the process, owner, and timing for follow-up. Document the next step for yourself after the meeting.

Keep your preparation practical

This is career education, not a promise that any employer will approve a change. Policies, budgets, and timing vary. Preparation helps you ask a clearer question and understand the response you receive.