Promotion by getting an offer?
Hello all,
What are your thoughts on getting an internal promotion to Associate by leveraging an offer from another fund? Does this strategy work, or if they make the offer do they usually dislike it and see you as a sort of "traitor" afterward?
I know the best way is to say that you think you deserve a promotion because you're already doing the job of the people above you, but this is not how things work at my fund. I want to get promoted faster and don't want to leave because I like the fund and the team, but I'm getting frustrated by this situation
Using an external offer to leverage an internal promotion can be a double-edged sword. Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are the key considerations and potential outcomes:
Key Considerations:
Relationship Impact: The moment you use leverage against your current employer, your relationship with them fundamentally changes. They may:
Firm Culture: If your firm only acts when forced, it may indicate they are not invested in your long-term development. This could mean future promotions or raises will also require similar tactics, which isn't ideal for career growth.
Be Prepared to Walk: If you decide to use this strategy, you must be ready to leave if they don't meet your demands. Confidence in your ability to land a new role is crucial.
Alternative Approach: Instead of leveraging an offer, consider having a direct conversation with your superiors. Ask what specific steps you need to take to achieve the promotion or compensation level you desire. This approach is less confrontational and shows initiative.
Potential Outcomes:
Positive Outcome: If the firm values you highly and sees you as irreplaceable, they may meet your demands to retain you. However, this is more likely if you are genuinely hard to replace.
Negative Outcome: They may agree to your demands but hold it against you, leading to limited future opportunities or even eventual replacement.
Neutral Outcome: They may refuse to promote you, forcing you to decide whether to stay or leave.
Final Thoughts:
While leveraging an offer can work, it’s a risky strategy that should only be used as a last resort. If you genuinely like your fund and team, focus on open communication and understanding what it takes to grow within the organization. If the firm remains unresponsive, it might be worth considering other opportunities where your contributions are better recognized and rewarded.
Sources: Using offers to get promoted, Guide to building a successful career at ONE company: Internal Networking, Negotiation for Guaranteed Promotion?
Generally that strategy doesn't go well. Or at least not for the long-term. We've had people leave for title bumps and the response internally is usually "wow, can you believe they hired them at that level?" So if you don't have the title yet, and you've spoken to them about it and they're unwilling to consider it, they're not suddenly going to consider it because you've got an offer elsewhere.
Have you spoken to your seniors (principals / partners) about it? Have you expressed this is what you want and asked what it takes to get that promo? That's something I think most people miss on - they never ask, they just expect it'll happen and get frustrated when it doesn't.
I did my undergrad at a top school and earned an MBA from Harvard Business School before exiting my company
What’s with this stuff? I see you posting other threads and I’m not sure why. Can’t imagine anyone thinks it’s funny, or even thinks about it enough other than to click on MS. Do you think it’s funny? Just weird this is what you choose to do with your free time
I think it's funny
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