Questions to Ask When Getting a Promotion
Strategic questions to clarify expectations, understand your new role, and set yourself up for success in your promoted position.
1What are the key responsibilities and expectations for this new role?
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What are the key responsibilities and expectations for this new role?
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Why this works
Ensures you understand the scope of your new position and what success looks like in your promoted role.
2How will my performance be evaluated in this new position?
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How will my performance be evaluated in this new position?
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Why this works
Clarifies the metrics and criteria for success, helping you focus on what matters most for your performance reviews.
3What resources and support will be available to help me succeed?
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What resources and support will be available to help me succeed?
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Why this works
Identifies the tools, training, and support systems you'll need to excel in your new role.
4Who will I be reporting to and working closely with?
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Who will I be reporting to and working closely with?
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Why this works
Establishes your reporting structure and key relationships that will be important for your success.
5What are the biggest challenges I should expect in this role?
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What are the biggest challenges I should expect in this role?
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Why this works
Helps you prepare for potential obstacles and develop strategies to overcome them proactively.
6How does this role fit into the company's long-term goals?
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How does this role fit into the company's long-term goals?
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Why this works
Provides context for your position's importance and how your work contributes to broader organizational objectives.
7What training or development opportunities are available?
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What training or development opportunities are available?
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Why this works
Identifies learning opportunities that will help you grow and succeed in your new position.
8How will my compensation and benefits change?
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How will my compensation and benefits change?
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Why this works
Clarifies the financial aspects of your promotion and ensures you understand all compensation changes.
9What's the timeline for transitioning into this new role?
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What's the timeline for transitioning into this new role?
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Why this works
Helps you plan your transition and understand expectations for when you'll be fully in the new role.
10How can I best support my team in this new capacity?
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How can I best support my team in this new capacity?
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Why this works
Shows your commitment to team success and helps you understand how to lead effectively in your new role.
11What are the key relationships I need to build in this role?
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What are the key relationships I need to build in this role?
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Why this works
Identifies important stakeholders and relationships that will be crucial for your success.
12How will this role impact my work-life balance?
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How will this role impact my work-life balance?
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Why this works
Helps you understand the demands of your new position and plan accordingly for your personal life.
13What are the growth opportunities beyond this role?
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What are the growth opportunities beyond this role?
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Why this works
Shows your ambition and helps you understand potential career paths and advancement opportunities.
14How can I measure my success in the first 90 days?
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How can I measure my success in the first 90 days?
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Why this works
Provides clear early success metrics and helps you focus on immediate priorities.
15What support will I have for managing a larger team or more complex projects?
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What support will I have for managing a larger team or more complex projects?
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Why this works
Identifies the support systems and resources available for handling increased responsibilities.
16How will this role change my involvement in decision-making processes?
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How will this role change my involvement in decision-making processes?
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Why this works
Clarifies your new level of authority and influence in organizational decisions.
17What are the key skills I should focus on developing?
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What are the key skills I should focus on developing?
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Why this works
Identifies areas for professional development and skill building that will enhance your success.
18How will this promotion affect my relationships with former peers?
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How will this promotion affect my relationships with former peers?
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Why this works
Helps you navigate the transition from peer to leader and maintain positive working relationships.
19What are the biggest opportunities for impact in this role?
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What are the biggest opportunities for impact in this role?
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Why this works
Identifies areas where you can make significant contributions and demonstrate your value.
20How can I best prepare for this new role before I officially start?
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How can I best prepare for this new role before I officially start?
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Why this works
Provides actionable steps you can take to prepare for success in your new position.
Best Practices for Navigating a Promotion
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Best Practices
Ask Questions Early and Often
Don't wait to ask questions. The sooner you understand your new role, the better you can prepare for success.
Document Everything
Take notes on expectations, responsibilities, and commitments to ensure you have a clear record of what was discussed.
Build Relationships Proactively
Start building relationships with key stakeholders and team members before you officially transition into the role.
Question Sequences
The Role Clarity Sequence
The Support and Resources Sequence
Common Pitfalls
Don't Assume You Know Everything
Even if you've been with the company, a promotion often brings new responsibilities and challenges you haven't encountered before.
Avoid Overcommitting
Be realistic about what you can accomplish and don't promise more than you can deliver in your new role.
Don't Neglect Relationship Building
Focus on building relationships with your new team and stakeholders, not just on the technical aspects of the role.