Optional Essay - expected promotion?

Question

Hi all,

I started in a new position a couple months ago, and when I was hired it was a lateral move. The interviewer (my boss) said he expected to promote the incumbent within the next 6 months, and so far my performance and my set of responsibilities have been indicative that the promotion will happen. Though my employment history has shown progression in terms of salary, should I still mention that I have higher levels of responsibilities and that I do expect a promotion within a few months of my application being submitted?

Thanks in advance

Admissionado · Answer

Weeeeeelll, "expecting a promotion" is far too vague and subjective. On the other hand if someone in management explicitly says "You will get promoted" that's another story altogether....

Best,
JF

PersonalMBACoach · Answer

If you think your performance is strong enough to get the promotion, ask for it early so it can be official. (This may also be an indication as to whether you will actually get it or whether it was used a retention tactic) If you hit submit before being promoted, I would have to know more details about the company and structure before advising you. In many cases an expected promotion doesn't mean anything and would not add much to your application. Send me a note with more details if you would like: scott@personalmbacoach.com

blueapple · Answer

I wouldn't mention it, however, if you were to get the promotion after you submitted your applications, definitely contact the schools and let them know (and be ready to send along an updated resume).

I just think it's too "...and?" for an optional essay. You may be able to find a way to sneak it into interviews.

VeritasPrepDozie · Answer

Another thought to consider is if you have your current supervisor writing your recommendations it may make sense for him to mention this or how close you are to being promoted. Recommenders can do a lot to reinforce performance sentiments and this would be a great examples if you are unable to secure a formal promotion in time for application deadlines

SBCErikaOlson · Answer

I agree with the advice that you should 1) have your current boss mention the expected promotion in his/her recommendation letter. It will mean something coming from him/her, it will not mean anything coming from you since it is not "real" yet, and 2) go ahead and ask for it early so it CAN be real and your resume can be updated as such. For you to talk about an  expected  promotion in the additional info field might seem immature to the AdCom.

I disagree with the comment that said you should contact the AdCom after you submit if/when you actually get the promotion. That's a big no-no in my book. Think of what would happen if all of the thousands of applicants in each round contacted the AdCom with updates like that post-deadline? They have deadlines for that very reason -- so they can evaluate candidates against each other within the same period of time. If you get an interview, then yes, definitely mention any new updates when you're speaking to someone in person. Same goes for if you get waitlisted--some schools welcome updates at that point.

Hope that helps! Best of luck in making the promotion official sooner rather than later!

Optional Essay - expected promotion?

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