Work are messing me about re: promotion

[sugarquill]

I've always done well in my job, which I've now been in for 4 years.

In that time, I've been responsible for significant culture change within the workplace and business growth - no mean feat considering my current position within the company.

Last year I was close to getting a significant pay rise and more responsibility for an exciting project which would grow business across several branches. The manager who agreed the deal with me then stopped communicating after the deal was verbally agreed, and then this whole agreement was pulled at the last minute due to budget changes at Head Office.

I've since made new links and won various competitions, recognition at national level etc. but still am stuck in my position with no pay-rise and no prospects for progression. I spoke to my line manager today, and the latest excuse is that staffing changes have meant I cannot hope for promotion anytime soon...again.

I put my all into my work and am constantly positive, innovative, supportive and am a leader in several aspects of the business, yet noone seems willing to progress me further. I feel completely stuck, and although I love my job, have been looking afield for more challenging positions. The irony is that although I usually get through to interview stage (I've been to several in the past 6 months alone), the same reason for rejection is given again and again - I'm not yet experienced enough.

Argh! Can anyone offer any solutions/sympathy?

No solutions, but much sympathy ( or or depending on your preference )

Been there. Eventually moved on, and the good thing is that when moving on, at least in my industry, nobody cares about job titles or what grade you were, they want to know what you did and what you can do for them. (Obviously if you're in something very structured like the military or medicine then it does matter, but in most jobs it doesn't).

Sucks though, while you're still stuck there!

Are you been too honest in your interviews? Obviously do lie, but blow your own trumpet, enhance/embellish your good pionts etc. At least with a few interviews under your belt you will have gained technique and experience and know what they are looking for -practice the interview answers at home until they are second nature.

Whats the betting when you are finally able to hand in your notice a promotion will suddenly appear? ATM they have your loyalty and hard work at a cheaper rate - why would they pay you more (ASWER:Staff retension - but sounds like they aren't that kind of company).

Good luck.

Not enough experience in what exactly?

Can you try with recruitment agencies? Sounds as if you would be snapped up.

I'd do everything I could to move on.

Early in my career, a really capable colleague handed her notice in as she'd found a job elsewhere. Our manager tried to persuade her to stay by offering her a promotion. She said no because "if I'm worth the promotion, it shouldn't have taken my resignation for it to be offered and the fact that you think I'm worthy of it have done nothing about it before confirms I'm making the right choice now".

That has always stuck with me.

Some bosses are very keen to blame "the curent financial climate". I think with some there is more of an element of how much can they squeeze from people - get the results while not increasing pay looks good for them on paper.

Move on. Look elsewhere. Embellish your experience - they can't prove exactly what you have /haven't done, there won't be that much detail on a reference. Just make sure you practice your competency based interview questions (example questions) before any interviews so you can substantiate any - ahem-embellishments.

A few years ago I got myself a promotion by applying for an external job and interviewing well. I was sure I wouldn't get the job as it was a step up, but I did - they saw my potential. Sadly I didn't keep the job for very long due to illness but the fact that I got offered it at all showed me that you don't always have to apply for an external job on the same level, it may not be easy but if you apply for bigger and brighter things eventually someone will see your potential and give you a break.

I'm not saying someone can go from being a secretary to a CEO. But it may not be as impossible to get a step up as you think. Especialy now the recession is over and so there isn't quite the same level of competeition as a few years ago.