Career Corner: 11 Questions to Ask When Offered a Promotion at Work

Woman asking Questions

Have you just been offered a promotion at work? After your initial excitement settles, you need to consider what the new role actually entails and if it is something you want for yourself.

The Phlebotomy Examiner made an extensive post on pre-promotion considerations, but here are the most important questions to ask.

Does it Pay Better?

This is probably the number one reason people want promotions. Simply put, why would you want to take on more work if your salary is barely better?

What About Non-Salary Benefits?

Perhaps your salary increase is slight, but the promotion makes up for it with more vacation time, or paying for you to go to developmental conferences. Consider how the extra perks weigh up.

Why Did This Position Open Up?

Is there some horrible aspect of this position being kept secret that drove the last person away? Learn why your predecessor wanted out.

What Are the New Responsibilities?

Even if the salary bump is nice, it can be offset if your new responsibilities are going to overwhelm you.

What Does this Offer Long-Term?

Does this promotion coincide with your goals for what you want with your career, or is it moving you down a path further away from what you wanted?

Are You Suited to the Job?

Be honest. What your boss thinks you can handle might be an overestimation. Are you really qualified?

Will You Get Training?

There will likely be a lot of new tasks you don’t understand. Will you be taught how to do them, or expected to learn on your own as you go?

Do You Have to Live Somewhere Else?

The promotion might come with more travel or even another headquarters. Don’t learn these details after you already accepted.

Do You Like this Company?

If you honestly don’t care about the company, taking on more duties is probably going to take a toll on your happiness.

Would a New Job Be Better?

Maybe you have seen similar salaries in postings for jobs that interest you more. Do those pique your interest more than staying?

Is This to Your Advantage, or the Company’s?

Ultimately, is this a reward for your hard work, or are you being viewed as the best candidate to clean up a mess?

If this promotion is genuinely meant to benefit you, it should be framed as an offer rather than a demand. And it is okay to acknowledge that the promotion might not be what you want.

For even more questions to ask before committing to that promotion, take a look at what the Phlebotomy Examiner says here.

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MCCC

Montgomery County Community College, the sponsor of MONTCO.Today’s Career Corner offers more than 100 associate’s degree and certificate programs at the college’s Blue Bell, Pottstown, The Culinary Arts Institute in Lansdale campuses, and online.

Funded by Montgomery County, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and student tuition, Montgomery County Community college offers a high-quality, affordable, accessible education that leads to relevant, rewarding transfer and career opportunities.

Take advantage of all the College has to offer — from challenging educational and professional development opportunities to stimulating activities and cultural programs. Their doors are always open.

Learn more about the College’s degrees and programs or plan an in-person visit to get a firsthand look at the College’s state-of-the-art facilities and friendly campus life. 

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