How to Talk to Your Boss About Career Development (With the Best Questions to Ask)

Amid job market shifts, there are practically endless career growth opportunities – if you take the proper steps.  And one of the best ways to develop your career further is to talk to your employer. In your conversation, your boss may highlight improvements, strengths, and relevant promotion opportunities.

However, it's crucial to understand how to ask your boss about career development, including what not to ask. For example, you shouldn't emphasize that you want a promotion, as it could show you only want a pay raise or are unhappy with your current job. Instead, highlight your long-term goals and ask questions to ensure the company's ambitions align with yours.

Continue reading to learn how to talk about job growth, including questions to ask your boss about career development. 

Why Talking to Your Boss About Career Advancement Is Important

Talking to your employer can create unique opportunities, from promotions to refined goals. It communicates to leadership you have an interest in growing within their company and contributing more. So, even if there are no current opportunities, you've at least planted a seed the next time a new position opens up.

These discussions pose unique chances to discuss your career goals and ensure they align with the rest of the company. Your employer may learn new things about your ambitions and skills and immediately find new opportunities for you. In some cases, you and your employer may identify better opportunities in other departments. They may also recommend additional training you should take to fill more skills gaps. 

It also solidifies your relationships by showing your dedication to climbing the company ladder. Many employers are wary of employees who only care about paystubs and the end of the day. Demonstrating you want to take on more responsibilities also reflects better on you as an overall employee.

Furthermore, talking to your boss about career advancement could stress a sense of urgency. In the changing job market, skilled employees are in high demand and actively seeking advancement. Most bosses will recognize that if they don't offer you an opportunity for career growth, another employer will. 

Tips for Discussing Career Development

Knowing what to say when your boss asks about career goals significantly impacts the conversation's results. The wrong phrasing could communicate dissatisfaction or bad intentions. As a result, your boss may question why you want to move up the ladder. 

Instead, you should prepare your questions and what you want to get out of the conversation beforehand to ensure a positive outcome. Below are a few useful tips for discussing career development. 

Keep Questions Constructive

When discussing career development with your boss, it's easy to only talk about promotions and what you think you'd be good at. That said, unless your topic pertains to a specific opening, the conversation should be about you as a professional.

Direct questions and discussions toward what your boss thinks you'd be good at and where you can improve, and go from there. Elaborate on your skills, experiences, and interests, but don't let that overshadow what your boss says. This conversation should be about improvement opportunities rather than identifying specific promotions. 

Keep Dialogue Frequent

Regular career conversations with your boss improve the flow of communication and keep you on their mind. Simply having one long meeting about your future and progress can be beneficial, however, it limits how much you can take away.

Casual conversations about progress and goals communicate that you want to grow within the company. It also keeps you in their short-term memory, so they may be more likely to think of you if a position opens that week. Your boss can also advise better career feedback, practices, and training based on your current progress.

Of course, you must be careful not to make your career development conversations too frequent. Asking for feedback too often could make you seem too needy or dependent on your boss. Likewise, discussing promotions could make them question how happy you are in your current position. 

Stay Open-Minded Regarding Criticism

Sometimes, you may not get the answers you were hoping for from your boss. For instance, your employer may point out responsibilities you currently don't meet instead of ones you could meet.

Feeling defensive, upset, or hurt can be natural in these situations. However, you should stay open-minded and rational to ensure them you take their concerns seriously. Furthermore, following through with their criticisms demonstrates that you can implement feedback. Even negative conversations with your boss can increase your promotion opportunities. 

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Sample Questions to Ask Your Boss About Career Development

When talking to your boss, your words and questions should vary based on specific situations. Before and during the conversation, consider relevant projects, workplace changes, and opportunities. Below are a few example questions to ask your boss about career development:

• Are there any other responsibilities I can take on to help the company?
• Are there any expectations I'm not meeting in my current role?
• What are my areas of strength?
• Where do you see me growing within the company?
• What skills do you feel I have gained or developed with the company?
• What skills should I learn to continue growing?
• What can I do to be asked to take on more projects?
• Is there anything I should stop doing to be considered for more opportunities?
• Can you share some of the company's current goals so I can align my goals accordingly?
• What growth do you see in our department in the coming years?

More Career Advancement Resources

Developing your career is a neverending process that comprises training and self-awareness. Asking for and utilizing feedback plays a significant role in this process. In some cases, advancing your career may require switching jobs or gaining skills you'd never considered. Check out iHire's Resource Center for more tips and examples on how to develop your career.