CAREERS NOW 08-27-08

Passed Over For Promotion: Three Times is Not a Charm

DEAR JOYCE: After seven years with my company, doing good work, I have twice missed promotions I think I should have had. The second time was last week. I doubt that there'll be another managerial opening for at least a year. Quit and start fresh, or stay and compete? - J.P.W.

Generalizing - without knowing your precise situation, raise history and perceived value - I'd update my resume and keep my eyes open for a genuine opportunity. If you're manager material, a new employer might want to save a few dollars by giving you a shot at the next level rather than taking on a pricier experienced manager. (Or maybe not; some companies prefer paying more for battle-tested veterans in hard times, figuring their expertise makes them cheaper in the long run.)

In the meantime, look in the mirror: Does management think of you as a warm body, not as a promotable candidate? Is it possible that none of the brass can believe you quickly can become competent in a better job? Have you taken developmental steps - such as continuing education or showing initiative?

Successful people who rise in the workplace make themselves authentically ready for promotion before the opportunity arises rather than relying on time served and entitlement. Two tips:

1. Sharpen skills, competencies and willingness. Business consultants report that many people give lip service to seeking promotions but their inner workers really feel that free time is for fun - not for learning and growing, or for polishing critical communication and organizational skills.

2. Improve your professional reputation. Work to achieve visibility and positive perceptions of your to manage. Your own flattering perception isn't enough; that same perception must exist in the minds of the many colleagues who impact the promotion decision, especially the one or two executives who will make the decision to advance you.

DEAR JOYCE: I sent my resume in for a job opening and have not heard back. I've been trying to follow up by e-mail. I sent a message basically asking "Did you get my resume?" I got a reply but all it said was "Yes, we did. Thanks." I really want the job. What's a good way to proceed? -- W.R.

Instead of asking a closed-end question, which makes it too easy for a recruiter or employer to send back useless brief answers, ask open-ended questions that refer to your strong points and encourage interaction:

"I hope you've had a chance to review my resume, which is focused on my experience and educational accomplishments in marketing research. Especially the section documenting a highly successful roll-out of a new product in a down market that I led. It appeared in a best practices article in New Marketing Newsletter. I'll be glad to fill in any blanks - what else would you like to know?"

If thundering silence is your answer, try again: "Since my last note, I've uncovered two recent articles about your company that make me even more certain that my communications skills and bilingual competencies would be valuable in y our marketing division. If you haven't seen the articles (identify by name), I'll be happy to forward them to you if that would be useful."

Still no reply? E-mail another message: "Since we haven't been able to make contact, I'll check back with you next week - unless another time would be better."

How many times should you reach out? Until you get somewhere, or the recruiter or employer irately tells you to disappear.

Executing an e-mail follow-up isn't too different from a telephone pursuit, except that it's easier to ruin your chances with dumb remarks or bad spelling. So write carefully.

Email Joyce
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