An image of a person walking up stairs that someone else is placing in front of them representing how to ask for a promotion

How to Ask for a Promotion (and Actually Get It)

ByPenny Strutton

How to Ask for a Promotion (and Actually Get It)

You’ve been working hard, getting results and adding value, and now you’re ready for the next step. But when it comes to asking for a promotion, many people freeze. It can feel awkward, risky or even a bit self-serving.

The truth is, advocating for your own progression isn’t about arrogance. It’s about clarity, confidence and timing. And if you’re ready to grow in your career, waiting quietly in the wings often won’t cut it. You have to step forward.

Here’s how to ask for a promotion in a way that feels authentic, strategic and gets results.

First, get clear on what you want

Before you start any conversation, take some time to reflect. What exactly are you asking for? Is it a formal promotion into a new role, a change in title, more responsibility, a salary uplift, or all of the above?

Being vague can make it harder for others to help you. Being clear helps you build a stronger case and communicate with confidence.

Ask yourself:

  • What role or level am I aiming for?
  • Why now?
  • What would success look like in that role?

When you’re clear on your direction, you can begin to plan how to get there.

Understand the landscape

Promotion isn’t just about performance; it’s also about timing, business needs and internal perception. Before you ask, get curious about what’s happening in your organisation.

Is there a need for someone at the next level? Are others being promoted, or is there a freeze? Is your line manager in a position to support you? If not, who else could be a decision-maker or influencer?

It’s helpful to understand how promotions usually happen in your workplace. Some organisations are very structured, others are more fluid. Either way, knowing the system means you can position yourself more effectively.

Build your business case

One of the biggest mistakes people make is assuming that working hard will speak for itself. Unfortunately, it often doesn’t. You need to connect the dots for others, showing not just what you’ve done, but how it adds value to the business.

Think of it like this: if you were hiring someone for this next-level role, would you hire yourself?

Make a list of your key achievements over the past 12-18 months. Focus on impact. What changed as a result of your contribution? Where did you solve problems, improve processes, lead others or deliver results?

Then link those achievements to the requirements of the role you want. This makes it much easier for others to see you as ready for more.

Practice the conversation

Once you’ve built your case, practice saying it out loud. This doesn’t mean sounding robotic or rehearsed, but it does mean preparing so that you can speak with clarity and conviction.

Start by saying something like:

“I’d like to talk about the next step in my career here. I’ve been reflecting on my progress and the value I’m bringing to the team, and I’d love to explore how I can grow into a [specific role/level].”

Then share:

  • Your recent achievements and impact
  • How you have already started operating at the next level
  • Why do you believe now is the right time
  • What support you would appreciate

Be open, confident and collaborative, and be ready to listen too. Sometimes the conversation opens doors straight away. Sometimes it sparks a longer journey.

If the answer is “not yet”…

It’s not always a no; sometimes it’s just “not now.” If you don’t get the promotion straight away, ask for clear, specific feedback.

Questions like:

  • What would success look like at the next level?
  • What would I need to demonstrate to be considered for a promotion?
  • What timeline or development goals would be realistic?

This turns the conversation into a plan. And it shows that you’re serious, committed and open to growth.

Keep showing up at the next level

One of the best ways to get promoted is to act like you already are, before the title changes.

That means:

  • Taking ownership beyond your current role
  • Leading with initiative, not waiting for instruction
  • Supporting and developing others
  • Bringing solutions, not just problems
  • Speaking up in meetings, offering ideas and driving progress

When people already see you as operating at the next level, the promotion becomes the obvious next step.

Final thoughts

Asking for a promotion can feel vulnerable, but it’s also a powerful act of self-leadership. It shows that you know your value, you’re committed to your growth, and you’re invested in contributing more.

You don’t need to be the loudest person in the room. You just need to be clear, confident and prepared. And if you’d like support to build your case, strengthen your leadership presence or navigate a career move, I’m here to help.

Through coaching and career strategy work, we’ll get you unstuck, unlock your strengths and put you in the best position to move forward, with purpose and impact.

You deserve to grow. Let’s make it happen.