Promoting yourself at the workplace

Job security is a real fear in today’s down economy. Already some 324,000 workers have lost their jobs this year, and because of that, many Americans hesitate to assert themselves with their employers when a promotion comes up.

So, what can you do if you think you’ve been wrongfully denied a promotion in the workplace? Employment lawyer Robin Bond says you can make a legal claim if you are:

1) A member of the “protected class.”
If you have been passed up for promotion because of your gender, race, color, religion, or national origin.

2) Qualified and have applied for a promotion.
If you have applied for a promotion and you are qualified for a higher position.

3) Rejected despite qualifications.
If you have been rejected despite your qualifications for a promotion.

4) Passed over for an equally or less qualified employee who was not in the protected class. If a less qualified colleague receives promotion over you.

Bond says if you think you’re being unfairly passed up at work, and you meet one of the above criteria, you can compare your qualifications with the co-worker who received the promotion over you, meet with an employee attorney to discuss your options, and then meet one-on-one with your supervisor to assert your grievance.