Positioning Yourself for a Promotion at Work:  A Strategic Guide to Moving Up 

Hi,  

I’m Alix and it’s my mission to help as many as possible work in jobs that meet their passion and purpose, encouraging them to reach their full potential, thereby making them happy and fulfilled adults.  

Providing support and hand holding where they may not have any. 

Be a ‘virtual mentor’ if you like… 

This includes making the workplace the best it can be which can include looking at promotions to bring you to the perfect job. 

Today we’re looking at how to position yourself for such a promotion, including what to work on so that you’re ready when an opening arises. It’s a journey that starts every day when you get up and go to work.  

So, let’s make it a journey that’s right for you.

Spotting the signs…  

Even the most perfect job can be outgrown, making you wake up and itchy. 

Depending on what is making you feel itchy, these could be solved by expanding your duties in your current position, to working your way up the corporate ladder in your current firm or looking at progressing with another company. 

Itchy feelings will be evident by your feeling; frustration, sometimes caused by doing the same things every day, lack of umph to do your best, feeling you no longer want to do your best. Reluctance to go into work with that Monday morning feeling becoming the norm, every day. 

These feelings can be brought on by: 

Lack of excitement at what you are doing, facing the same mundane tasks every day 

Lack of possibilities to expand your current job to include new challenges 

Working for a boss who under-appreciates you and your work 

No recognition for extra effort you make 

Outgrowing of your present job, needing a challenge

Any of the above can mean it’s time to move on. So, what does that mean? 

Moving up… 

Earning a promotion at work is a major career milestone. It’s not just recognition of your past performance - it’s an opportunity to take on new challenges, increase your impact, and grow professionally. But promotions don’t always come automatically, even for hard-working employees.  

To increase your chances of moving up, you need to be intentional, strategic, and proactive. 

Here’s what to consider - and how to take action - when looking for a promotion at work. 

Understand the requirements for promotion… 

Before you start advocating for yourself, it’s essential to understand what’s expected. Every organisation has different criteria for promotions, which may include performance, leadership ability and communication skills. 

Take time to research or ask: 

What are the qualifications or milestones typically required? 

Are there defined promotion paths in your department? 

Who makes promotion decisions - your direct manager, HR,? 

If your company has formal performance review processes, pay attention to how success is measured.  

Use those benchmarks to guide your development plan. 

Excel in your current role… 

The first step to earning a promotion is consistently performing at a high level in your current role. Promotions are usually awarded to employees who not only meet expectations but exceed them. 

Ways to stand out include: 

Delivering high-quality work always on time 

Taking initiative and solving problems independently 

Being dependable and accountable 

Contributing positively to team dynamics 

Make it a point to go beyond the basics. Seek opportunities to improve processes, assist others, or take on additional responsibilities. Demonstrating leadership - even without the title - is one of the most powerful ways to position yourself for advancement. 

Communicate your career goals… 

Don’t assume that your manager knows you want a promotion. In many cases, simply expressing your interest in advancing can open up opportunities. Remember that managers are more likely to advocate for employees who have shown ambition and initiative. 

Schedule a one-on-one meeting and say something like: 

’I really enjoy my role and the work we’re doing. I’m interested in growing within the company and would like to work toward a promotion. Can we discuss what steps I should take to get there?’ 

This conversation opens the door to mentorship, sets clear expectations, and shows that you're serious about your career progression. 

Take on stretch assignments… 

Promotions often go to those who demonstrate readiness for the next level. One way to do that is by volunteering for projects or assignments that stretch your current skill set. 

Look for chances to 

Train or mentor new employees 

Lead a small team or initiative 

Present ideas or results to senior leadership 

Work cross-functionally with other departments 

Stretch assignments showcase your adaptability, leadership potential, and willingness to take on challenges. Even if you don’t have formal authority, showing that you can influence outcomes and drive results will strengthen your case for promotion. 

Build strong relationships and visibility… 

Promotions aren’t just about what you do - they’re also about who sees it. Building strong relationships with peers, managers, and key decision-makers can significantly increase your chances of moving up. 

Ways to increase visibility: 

Speak up in meetings with thoughtful input 

Bring solutions to challenges 

Share your wins and progress (without bragging) 

Ask for feedback regularly - and act on it – see my article on criticism and how to harness it to your advantage 

Build a reputation as someone who collaborates well 

If your company has a mentorship program or leadership development initiatives, get involved. These programs are great opportunities to build connections and show you're serious about growth. 

Develop your skills continuously… 

The skills that got you your current role might not be enough for the next one. Whether it's leadership, project management, communication, or technical expertise, identify the gaps between where you are and where you want to be - and work on closing them. 

Note: on this website you’ll find articles on how to develop soft skills in the workplace. Have a read and work on the ‘background’ skills that aren’t qualification based but can count heavily towards securing a promotion. 

Here’s how: 

Take relevant courses or certifications 

Read industry books or attend webinars 

Read up on articles on this website 

Ask your manager or mentor for development recommendations 

Join professional associations or networking groups 

Upskilling not only prepares you for higher-level responsibilities - it also demonstrates initiative and a commitment to self-improvement. 

Track and communicate your achievements… 

When the time comes to ask for a promotion, it’s crucial to back up your case with concrete examples. Keep a record of your achievements, projects, and the value you’ve added to the team. 

For each key accomplishment, try to quantify the impact: 

Did you increase efficiency or save time? 

Did you help bring in revenue or cut costs? 

Did you improve customer satisfaction or employee engagement? 

Compile this into a clear, concise case for promotion that highlights your contributions and readiness for the next level. 

Be patient - but persistent… 

Promotions don’t always happen right away, even when you do everything right. Timing, budget, and organisational needs all play a role. While it’s important to stay patient, don’t let that turn into passivity. 

Continue having career development conversations with your manager. Ask for feedback, seek new challenges, and maintain a strong work ethic. If you’re consistently showing up and adding value, your efforts will be noticed. 

And if you’ve been passed over for a promotion, don’t be afraid to ask for honest feedback. Understanding why can help you regroup and improve for the next opportunity. 

Naysayers… 

Naysayers are people who you currently work for or with, who say you shouldn’t make the change - that it’s not the right step for you. 

Note: while working for a British bank, I was headhunted for a job in an American bank that my friend said I should apply for. My current boss told me (confidentially) that he didn’t feel it was the right path for me, planting seeds of doubt about the move. 

So, what do you do? Listen to someone with more experience than you or follow your plans? I suggest you weigh up what they’ve said, consider whether it’s valid, and make a choice, but remember why you’ve even thought about moving. 

Final thoughts… 

Getting promoted takes more than just doing your job well - it requires intentional action, strategic relationship-building, and a clear understanding of what it takes to succeed at the next level. 

By aligning your goals with company expectations, showcasing your leadership potential, and continuously developing your skills, you can significantly improve your chances of earning a promotion - and advancing your career in a meaningful way. 

Remember: promotions don’t happen by luck. They happen when preparation meets opportunity. Start preparing now, and when that opportunity comes, you’ll be ready to seize it. 

Success is within your grasp! 

Good luck,