How Long Should You Wait for a Promotion?

Early career employees should aim for promotion every three years according to Ian Siegel, CEO of ZipRecruiter. Learn more about how long you should wait for a promotion and how to increase your chances of success.

How Long Should You Wait for a Promotion?
Early career employees should aim for a promotion every three years, according to Ian Siegel, CEO of ZipRecruiter. The most likely time to receive a promotion is in your third year with a company. Visier found that promotions dropped significantly after 10 years with the company. Many companies are afraid to appear as if they are playing favorites.

It's important to keep in mind that 18 months or two years is usually the minimum amount of time to wait for a promotion, unless you've had a discussion about shortening that deadline even before you're hired. Mikaela Kiner, founder and CEO of UniquelyHR, explains that “a demanding task can be deliberately created to move talented employees forward, or it can be the result of the organization's growth, an unexpected vacancy, or a new product or initiative. You can start any of these discussions by saying something like: “I feel like I've been meeting all the expectations we've set for ourselves together and I'm happy to contribute and make an impact. Schedule a consultation with your manager to discuss your expectations for your current position and how your new responsibilities might fit into a more important position.

It's important to remember that promotions don't always come as quickly as you'd like them to. In life, some employees stay ten years in the same job at the same company only to be laid off unexpectedly. However, if you're looking for a promotion, it's best to aim for one every three years. This will give you the best chance of success and ensure that you're not stuck in the same role for too long.

When it comes to promotions, it's important to be proactive and communicate your goals with your manager. Make sure you're meeting all expectations and taking on additional responsibilities when possible. If you do this, you'll be in a much better position when it comes time for your promotion.

MISCHELLE NTULI
MISCHELLE NTULI

National Operations Manager @ Isilumko Activate