Back to all insights

How to get promoted at work

Climbing the corporate ladder can be difficult. It requires a blend of skills that make it both challenging and rewarding. Discover how to get promoted with a combination of hard work, interpersonal skills and a commitment to personal growth and development that make a compelling case for your promotion.

Women celebrating promotion with confetti smiling

Whether adapting to the latest Google algorithm shifts, leveraging new social media platforms, or embracing the latest tech innovations, keeping yourself informed and adaptable is crucial for those aspiring to get promoted in their digital careers.

Setting the stage for promotion: excelling in your current role

Achieving excellence in your current role is critical when eyeing a promotion at work. It involves understanding your responsibilities and how they impact the broader business landscape, forming the bedrock of venturing into more complex challenges.

  1. Be proactive and actively seek opportunities. Showcase your talent and willingness to engage beyond your job description and contribute creatively to your company’s growth.
  2. Cultivate strong working relationships across diverse departments. Understanding different aspects of the business and how they interconnect enhances your perspective.
  3. Instil leadership qualities. Demonstrate your ability to lead through initiatives like heading smaller projects or mentoring newcomers, showcasing your potential to manage and inspire.
  4. Keep ahead of the latest industry trends.Your commitment to ongoing learning fortifies your current role at the company but also primes you for more senior responsibilities.
  5. Communicate your career aspirations to your manager. An open dialogue about your ambitions and eagerness for more significant challenges is essential.

According to Nectar, 65.38% of employees feel their company is actively invested in their career growth – embrace the support from your manager and company to excel in your existing role.

Upskilling for career advancement

Elevating your career through upskilling is a strategic investment that can take many forms,  whether it’s pursuing an advanced course, acquiring a certification in the latest technologies, or mastering cutting-edge tools. The key to professional growth lies in continuous learning, ensuring your skill set remains relevant and marketable. This ongoing commitment to development enhances your skill set and demonstrates a proactive approach to your career growth.

Consider the skills gap and try to identify areas where you could upskill yourself.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or are not sure where to begin, you can gain a deeper understanding and more practical insights on efficiently upskilling in your field by exploring our guide on “how to upskill yourself.” Our resource is designed to help you navigate the journey effectively with our sustainable approach to upskilling, ensuring you keep progressing and staying motivated.

Strengthening your performance to get promoted 

Embarking on the journey of a well-deserved promotion requires skilful navigation of performance reviews. This demands a strategic approach that needs thoughtful preparation, including a compilation of your accomplishments and a critical self-assessment. Acknowledge your strengths and areas of improvement, aligning these with the overarching goal of showcasing your value to your manager. 

  1. Strategic preparation. Craft a comprehensive overview of your achievements. Assess your performance honestly, identifying both your strengths and areas that you find challenging. Make sure you clearly outline your career goals and ensure these align with the organisation’s business objectives. 
  2. Receptive engagement. During the review, be open to both praise and constructive criticism. Actively seek feedback and engage in a candid conversation about your job performance. This demonstrates your commitment to professional development.  
  3. Goal setting. Define clear, achievable goals that align with your career trajectory and the company’s strategic business direction. Use the performance review as an opportunity to seek clarity on the criteria needed for promotion. 
  4. Follow-up progress update. Proactively seeking and utilising feedback is a hallmark of a growth-oriented professional. Taking the initiative to ask for feedback demonstrates your commitment to continuous improvement and learning. Reflect on what you’ve heard and identify actionable steps to address any areas of concern or strengthen your skills further.

How to navigate setbacks and rejections

Navigating setbacks and rejections is an inevitable part of any professional journey. While these moments can be challenging, they also offer valuable opportunities for growth and resilience.

  1. Accept and reflect: It’s only human to feel disappointed or discouraged by a setback or rejection. Allow yourself to process these emotions, then shift your focus to constructive reflection. 
  2. Analyse and plan: Identify specific areas where you can improve. This might involve enhancing specific skills, seeking mentorship, or adjusting your approach to work.
  3. Embrace a growth mindset: This mindset encourages resilience, openness to feedback, and a continuous pursuit of self-improvement.
  4. Stay engaged and motivated: Invest in your current role and responsibilities. Demonstrate your commitment and value to the team, even as you work towards your next opportunity.

Keep in mind that setbacks and rejections are not the end of the road but simply stepping stones on your career path. Remember, your career path is a personal journey shaped by your unique blend of skills, experiences, and aspirations. Ready to elevate your career?

Related reads

Save jobs

Log in to save a job

Need talent? Request a callback

This form is for companies looking to hire talent.

I am looking for a job I have a general enquiry

"*" indicates required fields

E.g. “Senior Frontend Developer” or “Offshoring team for design.”
This field is hidden when viewing the form