Carol writes:
I have read your Quintessential Careers article Moving Up the Ladder: 10 Strategies for Getting Yourself Promoted with great interest because of my situation.
It has been recommended I write a proposal to create a new position for myself to move into. I am having a difficulty finding a template as to how to create such a document. Can you make any suggestions.
The Career Doctor responds:
If I am reading between the lines correctly, I am guessing that someone within your organization has suggested that you create this proposal, but even if I am mistaken, the advice I am suggesting will be useful.
One caveat: If you have not been encouraged to create such a proposal from someone higher in the organization, tread lightly, because management could view such a proposal as you being unhappy with your current job.
There are several keys to success here.
First, you need to conduct research. Try and determine if other similar organizations have the type of position you are proposing. If so, gather as much data as possible to build your case. And even if your search is fruitless, by conducting the research, you are building your network — and perhaps other more interesting opportunities may arise from it.
Second, you need to do a detailed (as possible) cost/benefit analysis. You have to show for the added costs of the position (including salary, benefits, etc.) that there i s also an added benefit — such as increased efficiencies, reduced costs, more revenue, etc. The more numbers you have to support your proposal, the better.
Third, you really need a champion of the new position in upper management. Someone who is going to sing your praises and push for the new position. This person could be your mentor — or anyone else in your internal network.
How likely it is to be approved depends on the strength of your proposal and how flexible the organization is to new ideas.
