For most, a promotion is high on their professional goals list. A promotion means new opportunities, career advancement, and a better salary. When it comes to positioning oneself for a promotion, however, balancing professionalism and self-promotion can be difficult to navigate. To alleviate some of this uncertainty, we’ve compiled a guide to help guide you through some best practices to receive a promotion.
Look for Opportunities
If you want to grow, start by seeking out ways to stretch beyond your current role.
Volunteer for cross-functional projects, offer to take the lead on a team initiative, or solve a problem that’s outside your job description. Look for gaps where your skills can shine, and don’t wait to be asked.
By being proactive, people in your organization will see you as a reliable and helpful coworker.
Ask for Feedback
Create a habit of checking in with your manager and asking questions like:
- “What’s one thing I could improve to be more effective?”
- “How do you see my growth within the team or company?”
- “What would make me a strong candidate for the next level?”
The key here is to show that you’re coachable, open to growth, and serious about advancing. The feedback you receive will give you a roadmap to improve and stay aligned with your manager’s expectations.
Provide Value and Over Deliver
Your best case for a promotion will always come down to the value you bring.
Look for ways to consistently deliver results that are:
- Above the standard
- Ahead of schedule
- Aligned with larger business goals
Whether that’s cutting costs, improving a process, or helping a teammate hit a key deadline, make sure your impact is clear and measurable.
Develop Strong Relationships and Seek Out Mentorship
Relationships matter. People promote people they trust, respect, and know well.
Build strong relationships across teams, especially with decision-makers and those who have influence in promotion conversations. Don’t underestimate the value of internal networking.
Also, seek out a mentor who can guide your development, advocate for you, and offer perspective as you grow. Mentors often open doors that skills alone can’t.
Establish a Clear Path Forward
If you’re aiming for a specific role or level, clarity is your best friend. Don’t leave your growth to chance, ask what success looks like.
Meet with your manager to discuss what it would take to move up and work together to outline a concrete development plan. That might include taking on certain projects, hitting key performance metrics, or demonstrating new leadership skills.
This clarity sets expectations on both sides and helps you track your own progress with purpose.
Have a Clear Explanation of Your Value & Accomplishments
When the time comes to ask for a promotion, you want to be ready with a compelling case.
Document your accomplishments and quantify your impact wherever possible:
- “Improved response time by 30% by implementing a new support workflow.”
- “Led a cross-team initiative that increased customer retention by 12%.”
The more specific and data-driven your case, the easier it is for your manager to advocate on your behalf. Think of it as your internal resume. It’s a summary of the value you’ve added and the potential you bring.
With the right strategy, clear goals, and a bit of courage, you can take ownership of your growth and turn that promotion from a possibility into a plan. Your next step starts now.
