How to give yourself a promotion (and why you keep being passed over)

Be proactive if you want to move up the ladder (Picture: Getty Images)

If you’re looking to get promoted at work, you’ve probably been putting in the time and effort it takes to get ahead.

Sometimes, though, you do all the right things and still get passed over for the role you desperately want – and sometimes you need to take your career progression into your own hands as a result.

It’s an issue many of us have dealt with recently, with Google searches for ‘how to get a promotion’ up by 178% in the last month alone. There are also 31 million posts under the TikTok search ‘not promoted at work’, and the r/careerguidance Reddit page is filled with frustrated candidates struggling to move up the ladder.

The fact is, there are all sorts of reasons you might not have been promoted, some of which are nothing to do with you. Perhaps the company you work for have set ‘bands’ that limit advancement until a certain time in the job, or they don’t have the budget to give you a raise in line with increased responsibilities (arguably a good thing).

In some cases, it might mean moving on to a new employer, but either way, working out what’s outside your control gives you greater perspective about expectations going forward.

Then, you need look at where you’re holding yourselfback, and tackle every self-imposed barrier so you’re good to go when the next chance comes around.

Why you haven’t been promoted (yet)

If it’s a ‘you problem’, Cristiano Winckler, head of digital operations at Somebody Digital, has noticed a few common themes among staff whose careers are stalling.

The first is not speaking up, which means ‘your contributions and soft skills might be flying under the radar.’

‘Particularly in large companies with lots of employees, your boss might not be aware that you perhaps have skills that would make you a strong leader, in addition to the skills you have for your current position,’ Cristiano explains.

Next, there’s being too nice. Although team players can make great bosses, this trait is different from ‘saying yes to everything and being a people pleaser’.

Alongside struggling to express your opinions and providing feedback to others, Cristiano says: ‘You might also spend too much time making others happy and taking on extra work to actually highlight your achievements and successes, meaning that you’re less visible to managers when they’re looking for people to promote.’

And last but certainly not least on the list of self-imposed obstacles: a bad relationship with a manager.

Granted, you may simply not be their cup of tea. But often there’s more going on behind the scenes, and you need to consider how your attitude comes across as well as the work itself.

Cristiano adds: ‘You might see yourself as someone who performs perfectly, but without actively seeking feedback – and most importantly, listening to and taking on board the feedback you’re given – you’ll never know the areas for improvement that are holding you back.’

How to give yourself a promotion at work

After you’ve identified why your career isn’t progressing, it’s time to be proactive. After all, what good has waiting around been so far?

According to Cristiano, the first step is making yourself visible.

‘Look for opportunities to take the lead on projects, and volunteer to train newer colleagues and share your knowledge and expertise,’ he says. ‘Becoming the go-to colleague for advice and demonstrating that you’re willing to help others succeed will build trust.’

Don’t get arrogant and assume you know everything either. Online courses and qualifications – as well as a clear desire to learn from those around you – look great to hiring managers.

Expanding your network (both in and out of your company) and sharpening your soft skills, such as fostering a positive work environment and effectively delegating tasks are equally key.

‘Good managers should be able to delegate tasks and trust their team to deliver results, without having to micromanage,’ adds Cristiano.

Look at the leaders you’ve working with in the past and mirror these to develop your leadership style, which over time will get you noticed by the powers that be.

More than anything, though, make sure your bosses know what your goals are. Otherwise, all that groundwork will be ignored.

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‘Speak up about your career development and advocate for your progression,’ Cristiano advises. ‘Schedule regular meetings with your manager to discuss what you want from your career, and that you’d like to take on more responsibilities and move up the ladder. Be prepared to demonstrate skills and achievements that would make you a strong leader.’

They say ‘fake it ’til you make it’, and that’s the case here. Start acting like the fantastic authority figure you know you can be, then let the official title follow.

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