Talking with the boss... need advice.

[Coconut]

So, after trying desperately to advance at my job and never succeeding, I have finally decided to go talk to the higher-ups about it.

I've applied for at least seven or eight jobs at work, and I haven't gotten any of them. One job, in particular, is something that I actually went to college for, and I didn't even get an interview for it.

I'm not mad or anything like that; I just want to know what is going on and what I can do to advance my career.

1) Is talking to them a good idea?
2) Any tips, advice, what to ask, etc.? I'm so nervous.

Thanks for letting me post about this so much... I often feel this board is one of the only places where I can honestly talk about my job struggles.

[Dawnchaser]

1) Is talking to them a good idea?
2) Any tips, advice, what to ask, etc.? I'm so nervous.

1) Absolutely. Most bosses are happy when you show that you care about your job and/or workplace. Clearly you're interested in hanging around for awhile and that always looks good. I would say if they have a negative reaction, it would actually be time to look for another job.

2) I would basically say that you've applied for several positions but haven't gotten any of them, and you would like some advice as to what you can do to improve your chances of getting the next one that comes along. They may be able to look through the comments in your employee file and give suggestions. Maybe bring along a resume and show them what you've studied for, what you've had experience with. See if you can do job shadowing (not everyone has this option).

Good luck!

[It's me]

It's also usually a good idea to talk to your manager before applying for an internal opening. Odds are your manager WILL be asked for his/her opinion of you... not the best way for him to find out that you intend to quit your current position... no manager likes being blindsided and being in the position of having explain why he doesn't know what is going on in his own deptartment...

[Coconut]

Thanks for the tips. That is an excellent idea about talking to the manager before applying for another position.

I'm so nervous about this. Hopefully it'll go okay. I keep rehearsing it over and over in my head what I'm gonna say. I don't want to come across as "I'm too good for my current position," but I just want to know what's going on.

[Seshat]

Hit your local library and read lots of 'negotiation' and 'how to do well in business' sorts of books. Some of their suggestions will be crud, some won't apply, but there are gems in there as well.