What do you look for, before giving someone on your team a promotion?
The interviewer would like to know that you are discerning when it comes to the types of people you further promote on your team. Share with the interviewer the kinds of skills, characteristics, and attitudes that you look for when rewarding employees.
Some things you may like to see:
- Self-motivation
- Reliable & dependable
- Strong work ethic
- Great customer service
- Goal-setting
- Consistency
- Helpful to others
- Positive attitude
- Needs little direction
- Team-oriented and collaborative
- Clear & effective communicator
- Flexible & willing to adapt
- Interested in professional development
Answer Example
"Before promoting someone on my team, I will read through all of the employee's performance reviews and ask for references from former managers. As far as skills go, I look for someone collaborative and reliable."
Admin
"I believe it's important to look at someone's level of collaboration and helpfulness. If the employee has shown leadership skills without a management title, I can be sure they will pull through as a solid leader and solid manager, once promoted."
Manager
"Management and leadership roles are too often given to people who are not true leaders. Many are promoted simply out of tenure, and I do not believe in this practice. What I look for when I promote a team member is a history of professional and self-development activities. I would rather promote someone who reads regularly, and wants to learn as opposed to someone who has been cushy in their role for many years without any growth initiative."
Marketing
"In marketing, we often promote those who will show self-motivation and take the initiative without being asked. Much of what we do is independent project work remotely. Before promoting someone, I would ensure the person could handle the balance between working independently and collaborating with a team of creatives."
Retail
"It can be a challenge to find a reliable staff member in the retail industry. For that reason, I would first assess the person's track record when it comes to showing up on time, staying for their entire shift, and calling in sick. If they proved to be reliable, I would consider a promotion should they be interested."
Sales
"Sales organizations and departments require organized leaders, great motivators, and competitively minded managers. If I had a team member seeking a promotion, I would look for those qualities. Also, I would want to see a history of success and achievement."
Teacher
"A promotion would rarely be up to me, as an educator; however, if I were hiring a teacher or promoting someone to a Principal role, I would look for consistency in behavior and higher education. Also, someone that the students respect and listen to."
ANONYMOUS ANSWER
"I look for someone who is self-motivated, who leads by example, and has taken the initiative to engage in professional and self-development activities."
OUR COACHES ANSWER
These factors are all crucial in considering key team players. Are any of these specific qualities that the hiring company looks for in their leaders, also? Be sure to use their jargon as much as possible to increase the possibility of the hiring authority resonating with your response.
ANONYMOUS ANSWER
"The characteristics and attitudes I would look for in before promoting someone on my team are self-motivated, Reliable & dependable, Strong work ethic with consistent individual contributions, and achieving personal goals.
Helpful to others with a positive attitude
Needs little direction
Team-oriented and collaborative, Clear & effective communicator"
OUR COACHES ANSWER
Fantastic insight! These are all very important qualities to look for before making a promotion.
ANONYMOUS ANSWER
"The ability to influence others."
OUR COACHES ANSWER
Good start. It would be important to elaborate why that is a quality worthy of a promotion.
"For me, an employees who demonstrates leadership qualities and the ability to influence others in a positive way are most worthy of promotions. Influencers can enhance productivity and morale within a department and work team. Employees who lead by example always stand out to me."
ANONYMOUS ANSWER
"I am looking for someone who has ambition for the future, is well-rounded in all the criteria the new position will require, and someone that wants to learn and will make an impact in the new position. I will also speak with their current and past manager to get feedback."
OUR COACHES ANSWER
Your process is very thorough which the interviewer will appreciate.
ANONYMOUS ANSWER
"I look at initiative and consistency in performance and success."
OUR COACHES ANSWER
Consistency is key! Your response is great.
ANONYMOUS ANSWER
"I look at the overall relationship with his/her colleagues. Is the person very adaptable and willing to take on any assignment? Do they have a positive attitude and are they a go-getter?"
OUR COACHES ANSWER
These are all excellent factors to consider before promoting someone. Good work.