Greg Decoteau ⋅ Napa, CA Qualcomm ⋅ 22 years experience

Dave, First off be aware that large promotions or raises at 12 months from a cold start from an entry level or junior level position are a bit rare. This is not to say that you did not "earn" the promotion or that you are not absolutely doing the work or even that you did not enter the organization a bit below pay grade but most employers are likely to want a little longer track record before granting large steps or dollars.

Having said that... you best bet is to first insure that you continue to perform at the superior level for the next 6 months to the actual 1 year review. Second, make sure you do so from a humble vs. entitled position. Third distill down and document to yourself the examples of the senior work you are doing and most importantly the actual, quantifiable impact your contributions are having.

The next step is tricky because almost all employers will view your request as early (sorry, but true). It would not hurt to have a series of candid but sincere informal conversations with your boss about SPECIFICALLY what you need to due to EARN (in their eyes, not your own) that promotion you are after. Then focus on achieving and repeatedly demonstrating exactly those things. It is important that you get ALL of them. Then as you approach your 1st review (remember it IS your first), tactfully, directly and clearly present multiple examples of how you have mastered ALL of these things, as identified, and clearly quantify the positive impact each has had on the organization and/or customers.

Then directly, tactfully and respectfully ask for the order (promotion). Be ready for push back that has nothing to due with your performance such as group dynamics, self-confidence of you boss, visibility and acknowledgement of your impact at levels above you boss, budget, company health etc. These issues may or may not be actually stated. Also remember that your boss has to sell your promotion to his/her boss. Make sure they have been able to do so as you have worked through the next six months.

If you are successful, fantastic, you beat the odds. If you find yourself a little short, push to have the remaining missing pieces that are required for the promotion clearly identified and expanded upon in writing. You need to clearly understand your remaining objective(s) and how you will be measured against them. You can at this point then float the idea that if you deliver on these last remaining shortfalls PRIOR to your two year review that you be considered for promotion between the the annual formal review dates. This is more possible than you may think. It's like a field promotion.

Strong self confidence and significant over achievement are tremendous assets but remember these things are not happening in an organizational vacuum. Also I can tell you from experience that patience is often the toughest lesson for overachievers such as yourself to master. Be patient, it will come. Most importantly do not allow yourself to become resentful if it all evolves a little slower than you may like or feel is deserved. Keep the energy, quality and attitude strong and you WILL be rewarded. Stay positive and go get em! Greg

John Kellogg ⋅ Wellesley Hills, MA Leadership Portfolios ⋅ 30 years experience

I think pretty simple....set up a meeting with the person you report to and make your well prepared case in a positive, constructive way (i.e., great attitude!). Ideal if you can agree to some performance metrics for the next six months...and what you can expect if you achieve them. Don't overthink it...if you do it right, being aggressive is rewarded!

Sean OShea ⋅ Palos Heights, IL BMC Software Inc. ⋅ 25 years experience

First, Thank You for your service! You and your fellow military personnel are what has always made our country great. Now when I started writing my reply I decided to first read the other replies- and I can't improve on what Greg Decoteau said in this statement "... your best bet is to first insure that you continue to perform at the superior level for the next 6 months to the actual 1 year review. Second, make sure you do so from a humble vs. entitled position. Third distill down and document to yourself the examples of the senior work you are doing and most importantly the actual, quantifiable impact your contributions are having." These were my same thoughts but stated better by Greg. Best of luck!

Anna Reifman ⋅ Arlington Heights, IL Allstate Insurance Company ⋅ 13 years experience

David, in addition to the great answers above I'd advise to

1. keep a close track of your progress by documenting it, especially on those assignments that are senior level, it'll help in your review and documenting progress at year-end

2. consider having a candid conversation with your boss to let him know what your thoughts are, but of course with the understanding that you need to prove yourself and are patient and not entitled, but more grateful for the opportunity; this conversation will allow you to let your manager know what you want and are working towards and if it's a good manager he'll help you get there; use the convo to make a plan for how to get that promotion, ask the manager for a road map of what it'd take and of course, set up touch bases with the boss, where you check in and share progress/get their perspective.

In all of this be cautious. Re-orgs happen and getting more duties is a fact of life; that fact not necessarily being commensurate with promotions.

Charles E. Cabler ⋅ Florence, AL Wells Fargo ⋅ 43 years experience

Dave, in my forty-three year career as a mid-level manager in the financial services industry ( AmSouth, First Union, Wachovia and Wells Fargo banks) yours is a typical situation for a manager position. I don't think I ever held a manager position which was limited to my job description. As long as you satisfactorily perform your "senior level" job requirements, they will continue at your "junior level" pay grade. That said, although often not publicly recognized, your performance is being scrutinized and mentally recorded buy upper management. If your performance is for the purpose of advancement, change your attitude. Advancement will come only when management needs you to do a more responsible job. Then you will be expected to perform at a even greater level. That's the way it is. You appear to have made a great start, so don't gamble your success with unreachable expectations of immediate advancement. Stay the course and rewards will eventually follow. Much success to you.

Bob Molluro ⋅ Wilmington, DE Benchmark Consulting Services ltd. ⋅ 30 years experience

Dave , Don't make any assumptions about what you believe you are entitled too without confirmation from your manager. And don't accept the thinking that the norm is XXX. There are exceptions made all the time for a high performer. A good company will recognize that type of person and put them on a fast track.
1) Sit down with the manager and get in writing your new responsibilities
2) Have a discussion about how excited and appreciative you are of these new opportunities
3) Ask the manager where this will lead and how he sees it playing out assuming you meet the requirements.
4) Review progress regularly to get feedback and establish in writing that you are delivering on the requirements.
5) At some point have a discussion with your managers manager to discuss what is going on and make sure that everyone is on the same page. (You never know if all the promises are real; whether or not your immediate manager is going to leave his position; what happens if the manager gets hit by a bus).
Comment: I learned this the hard way. I was a on a seven year management development program that lead to a third level management job. Like you, a unique opportunity came up and no one had any experience in this area-so they gave it to me the new guy. I did the job so well that my boss's boss called me in one day and said I am going to put you on a fast track program that will eliminate two years of the seven year program because you have already demonstrated your skills. Imagine my surprise when that person was promoted and the new second level manager said," I don't care what you think you were promised, I went through every step of the program and so will you." I quit the company six months later joined IBM and in two years was earning the money I would have made after seven years with the original company. It was a blessing in disguise. I also learned the power of getting things in writing which is why I made the suggestions above.
This process is just good sales management and is not onerous. The process will insure that you know eyes wide open what the end result could be and will let you know how you are doing along the way. That should seal the deal.
I am not a litigious person but under today's laws, a good attorney could have probably gotten me a nice settlement especially if I had for example purchased a new house based on the promises that were made and not kept. Good luck.

David Akre ⋅ New York, NY A NYSE listed financial company ⋅ 25 years experience

You have six months to go. Don't get cocky. Keep learning and continue to grow. Life is a marathon, not a sprint.

Elizabeth Hendler ⋅ New York, NY Grantwriter ⋅ 20 years experience

Wow Greg's answer is totally amazing.

I'll add that documenting your performance or keeping a task list regularly helps in performance review preparation. You can do a lot with the list of activities over 12 months and provide metrics. You can measure your output against your team or also your field's standards.

Mentioning casually that the tasks you are now responsible are at the level of an xxxx level role- if they can't give you a raise they may give you a title change which can be a good thing later to potential employers.

While you currently are in the job, keep looking for opportunities or going on informational interviews. Asking others in the field how they got to their level or position and more about what they do in the role you are aiming for will give you clues as to what is seen as worthy of being rewarded.

Make sure you continually align your performance to the goals and values of your business' leadership. This is vital- most folks miss the politics of the workplace around making sure you synch up with the boss's vision and goals.

Susana Moraga ⋅ Hayward, CA California State University East Bay ⋅ 20 years experience

David,

Congrats, you are in a great place to seek that promotion or raise.
Remember to check out salary.com or another salary resource as well as your own organizations pay structure so that you know what people in your position are getting when you go to negotiations.
Good luck,

James Watters ⋅ Norman, OK Business Consultant, retired ⋅ 17 years experience

With only six months on the job, forget about leverage and welcome all the responsibility the company gives you. The quickest way to promotions is to demonstrate your value to the firm through the quality of your work. Learn as much as you can about the business, learn how you can enhance profitability and volunteer when they need volunteers. Promotions will follow.