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Let’s be real—getting passed over for a promotion stings. Whether you’re feeling underappreciated or just plain confused, the real question to ask is, “Am I actually showing my value?” It’s not always fair, but it is reality: If you want to get promoted, you have to start promoting yourself first. Here’s a practical roadmap to make that happen and show your boss why you’re ready for more.

1. Be Good at Your Job—And Show You’re Ready for the Next Level

Simply being good at your current role isn’t enough to get a promotion. Doing your job well is the baseline, but if you’re aiming higher, you need to prove that you can handle more responsibility. This means:

• Taking on new projects and skills that show you’re prepared for the next role up.

• Pushing yourself to grow by accepting feedback and making improvements where needed.

• Learning new things on your own time to boost your qualifications.

High-performing employees do great work in their current roles. High-potential employees, though, show they’re ready for the next level by consistently challenging themselves and acquiring new skills. Start making moves that show you’re not just good at your job—you’re also committed to growth.

2. Build Strong Relationships with Your Colleagues

Promotions don’t just happen in a vacuum. Chances are, multiple people in your organization will weigh in on the decision, not just your direct manager. So, make sure that people across the team see you as a positive, reliable partner. That means:

• Treating people with respect, even if they’re hard to work with.

• Being known as a team player who’s collaborative and supportive.

• Avoiding office drama that could damage your reputation long-term.

Nobody wants to promote someone who has beef with half the team. Be the person people want to see move up—you’ll have a bigger network of supporters when that promotion conversation happens.

3. See the Big Picture

You need to show you understand the bigger picture to get a bigger role. Get familiar with your company’s mission and how your work impacts its goals. Knowing how your job fits into the bigger vision helps you:

• Make strategic suggestions that could improve processes or save time/money.

• Understand your department’s role in the company’s success.

• Embrace the company culture and represent it through your actions.

This shows your boss that you’re thinking beyond your day-to-day tasks and ready to make an impact on a higher level. Knowing what the company values makes it easier for you to step up and embody those qualities.

4. Say “Yes” (When it Matters)

Being a “yes” person doesn’t mean agreeing with everything. It means saying yes to new opportunities that help you grow, like:

• Joining a task force or taking on a role outside your job description.

• Helping out a lean team that could use an extra hand.

• Participating in office initiatives that help you network and develop new skills.

If you’re strategic about taking on new tasks, it shows that you can handle more responsibility and thrive in an expanded role. But don’t forget to prioritize—don’t overwhelm yourself to the point of burnout.

5. Become a Better Listener

Here’s the thing: you don’t have to dominate every conversation to show you’re a leader. In fact, active listening can make a bigger impact. When you listen well, you:

• Understand people’s needs better, which helps you build stronger relationships.

• Become more strategic by hearing different perspectives.

• Show respect to others, which helps you earn it in return.

If listening isn’t a strength yet, make it one. Pay attention, ask questions, and make it clear that you value other people’s input.

How to Level Up and Secure the Promotion

Alright, now you’re consistently showing your value. Here’s how to lock in that promotion:

1. Be a Fixer, Not Just a Doer

Bosses notice when you step up to solve problems rather than just pointing them out. If you see something inefficient or broken, figure out why it’s happening and pitch a solution. Instead of being the person who says, “This isn’t working,” show that you’re the person who says, “Here’s how I think we can make it better.”

2. Do Some Personal PR

Your hard work won’t speak for itself if no one knows about it. It might feel weird to highlight your accomplishments, but this “humble bragging” is necessary. In your one-on-ones with your boss, talk about your wins. Tell them about the progress you’re making, the projects you’ve led, and the results you’ve achieved.

3. Bring in the $$$

If you want to prove your worth, contribute to the bottom line. Whether you’re directly bringing in revenue, finding ways to save money, or improving efficiency, make sure leadership knows how you’re adding value. If you can show that you’re helping the company financially, you’re making a solid case for a promotion.

4. Crush Your Annual Review

Your annual review is like a mini job interview for your next role. Use it as a time to go over all of your accomplishments. Here’s how:

• Document your wins throughout the year (a Google Doc is great for this).

• Include everything from project work to skill-building courses you took.

• Evaluate yourself honestly and create a plan for areas where you need growth.

If you have a list of everything you’ve done, you’ll have an easier time showing your manager why you deserve the promotion.

5. Research Your Next Role

Find the job description or list of responsibilities for your desired role and compare it to your current skills. If there’s a gap, make a plan to close it. Show your boss that you’re taking concrete steps to be ready for the next level.

6. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask

Sometimes, even if you’re clearly ready, no one’s handing you that promotion. So, ask for it. Prepare a list of your accomplishments and align them with what the next role requires. Prove that you’re already working at that level, and ask confidently for the promotion.

It’s not about demanding; it’s about getting your manager on your side. Position them as your guide and ask what steps to take to make it happen.

If There’s No Growth, Move On

If you’ve done everything right—gone above and beyond, documented your value, and communicated your desire to grow—but there’s still no path forward, it might be time to look elsewhere. Often, moving to a new job can be the easiest way to get a promotion and a significant salary increase.

Changing companies can offer:

• Higher salary or a signing bonus.

• A new title that recognizes your skills.

• Broader responsibilities that push your growth.

I’ve personally gotten a 30% salary bump just by moving to a new company. Sometimes, companies don’t have the budget or structure to promote you, so if you feel stuck, don’t be afraid to explore new opportunities.

The Bottom Line: Advocate for Yourself

Promotions aren’t just handed out—you have to make a clear case for why you deserve one. Start by proving your value, building strong relationships, and adding new skills to your arsenal. Advocate for yourself, and don’t be afraid to ask for the opportunities you’ve earned. And if growth isn’t happening where you are, remember there are plenty of companies that would love to see you move up.

You’ve got this—go get that promotion!