Ask these questions before accepting a promotion

You’ve worked extremely hard, and your boss has recognized your efforts. In return, you’re poised to receive a promotion. That’s great news, right? Not so fast. While accepting the promotion might benefit you professionally, it’s possible it could it hurt you personally. However, if you turn down the role, it might be a career misstep. How can you decide which is the best option for you? You need to know what to consider before accepting a promotion, so ask yourself the following questions before you make your decision.

Will you be in charge of managing people?

If you’re offered a management position, you might automatically assume that you’ll be managing others. Keep in mind, though, that the role might involve a more managerial process than managing actual direct reports. Ask questions about the scope of this new position so you have a thorough understanding of what’s expected.

If you would end up with more responsibility but few, if any, direct reports, ask how you will spend your day. Inquire about the types of decisions you’ll be involved with, what meetings you’ll be asked to attend, and if you’ll have to determine the budget. Also, if your new position causes you to get email alerts at all hours of the day, will it provide you with enough of a work-life balance?

As trivial as some of these questions are, they can help you understand whether this new position is suited for you. For instance, if your current job allows you to do hands-on work, but this new one will have you sitting in on conference calls, you might not be satisfied.

How will your performance be measured?

When receiving a promotion, your success might not be measured by your work alone, but also by your team’s productivity or output. You’ll want a clear answer as to what expectations the company has for you, and if those expectations are too high or performance deadlines are too tight, you might want to pass on the promotion. Also, if you’re concerned that your raise, job, or bonus lies in the hands of your team’s performance, take heed before accepting.

Knowing if employee feedback is being used to assess your performance can also be helpful. If it is, you should be ready to inspire your team, giving them adequate direction, assisting them when needed, and monitoring without micromanaging.

Why did this position become available?

This is a question you’d likely ask if you sat in on an interview, and it’s one you should ask when you’re approached about a promotion. Find out why your predecessor left and how long he or she was in the position before leaving. Asking others in the company is one way to do this, but you can also look through professional social media accounts to see the person’s track record and tenure at other companies. If the departure was swift, it could be a sign that expectations for the job are unrealistic.

Is this new role worth the money?

According to staffing firm OfficeTeam, 39% of employers commonly offer a promotion without a raise. Assume for a minute that your company is one of the 61% that will give you a pay raise with the promotion. Will this bump in pay compensate you for the additional responsibilities you’ll have?

If you don’t feel as if you’ll be compensated fairly, do your best to negotiate a better deal. Check with those who have similar experience or are in comparable roles and ask them for advice regarding starting pay. You can also search online for salary information, and present your findings to your new boss. Take this opportunity to use the promotion as a negotiating strategy.

“Inquire about the types of decisions you’ll be involved with, what meetings you’ll be asked to attend, and if you’ll be asked to determine the budget.”

Is the timing right for this new role?

Once you accept the promotion, you’ll likely spend extra hours mastering the skills required for this new role. You might even need to spend time doing your former job while your old boss tries to find someone to replace you. Ask yourself if you have enough time to commit. Also, consider these questions:

• Are you a primary caregiver to young children or an aging parent?
• Are you attending school to further your education?
• Do you have other outside interests that take up the bulk of your time?
• Do you have the capacity to take on more, or will this new job be too much for you?

While hearing that you’ve been offered a promotion can boost your confidence, it’s not always the best move for your current personal or professional life. You might wonder what you need to know before accepting a promotion, and asking these questions can help you determine if it’s a smart idea to accept or turn it down. Remember that whatever decision you make impacts you personally and professionally. Once you make the choice, make sure you sit down with your boss and explain your decision.

Related reading: Promotion tips:

Are you actively seeking a promotion? Use these six tips to help you achieve one.

Once you agree to the promotion, use these four tips to start your new position the right way.

Know how you can get ahead in today’s market and advance quickly through your company.

Hoping that your boss notices your hard work? Prepare for your next review by using these five tips.