ASK AT THE RIGHT TIME AND REQUEST SPECIFIC FEEDBACK

Tom Gimbel, Founder and CEO, LaSalle Network, a staffing and recruiting firm headquartered in Chicago, has requested – and granted – many promotions over the course of his career. “The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that no one is going to hold your hand,” he says. “You have to own your career.”

Years ago, when he was a salesperson at a David Green Associates, he decided to ask his manager for a promotion. The timing was right: He had just finished a stellar year of sales. “I was not only hitting but exceeding my metrics and what was expected of me,” he recalls.

But before talking to his boss, Tom did some homework on the role that he wanted: national sales manager. “I spent a lot of time understanding what this job entailed and how the people who had those titles accomplished their goals.”

When it came time to make his request, Tom was blunt. “I had already built a relationship with my boss because I knew that a strong relationship would lead to more opportunities,” he says. “I told him I was ready for more. I asked where I stood, and where I could improve.”

His boss agreed to think about granting the promotion. And Tom made sure to follow up regularly. “I asked what I could do to make him even more happy with my performance. I wanted the feedback,” he says. “I also offered to help. Any chance I got, I raised my hand.”

Three months after he initially asked for it, Tom got the position he wanted.

His advice for others seeking advancement? “Ask for what you want and work hard to get yourself there. But remember, the moment you ask for a promotion, be prepared to do more work.”