When to accept or reject a promotion

A promotion is a sign of a job well done, and a higher pay and perks are always welcomed. But not everyone is ready for the added responsibilities or possible changes in job scope.

Let's look at some questions we can ask ourselves when a promotion is offered.

What will recruiters think?

If a promotion is offered but not accepted, it will not be reflected in a resume - which is what recruiters look for during candidate hunting. Does this mean rejecting a level up position and looking like you are stuck in the same role affect your chances of getting a new job in the future?

Not at all. If there are reasons to reject the offer, performance can still be reflected in your resume. A way to counter that is by listing your achievements and accolades, and during the interview stage, reasons can be shared.

Family, personal growth, part-time studies or simply not being keen on the new job scope are reasons people forgo a promotion.

What if the new role is not fulfilling?

Budgeting, managing people or resource allocation - these might be some new added responsibilities you might have to take on when you have a more managerial role.

But what if the new tasks are a bore and not your cup of tea? Should you still go for it and enjoy the better perks and pay?

Before you decide, lay out the factors and decide which are your priorities and deal breakers. Aggregate weightage and evaluate what you value at the end of the day.

While managing people might be something you enjoy, look at the broader aspect that you get to have a hand in helping your employees reach success, which can be a rewarding role.