How to Get Promoted in the New Year: Your Step-by-Step Guide

Have you ever felt like promotions are always just out of reach? Maybe you’ve been told you need “more experience,” or that the time just isn’t right — but deep down, you know you’re ready. If you’ve been overlooked, undervalued, or frustrated in your career, this is your year to change that.

Let’s talk about how to get promoted and finally land that higher-paying, higher-impact role.

Why Promotions Feel Impossible (But Aren’t)

If you’re like many women I work with, you’ve spent years proving your value, delivering results, and hoping someone would notice. Yet, time and time again, promotions go to others—sometimes to people with less experience or fewer qualifications. Sound familiar?

The truth is that promotions aren’t just about how hard you work. They’re about visibility, relationships, and strategy. Promotions aren’t handed out as a reward for effort; they’re earned through intentional positioning.

So, how do you shift the odds in your favor? By following a clear, actionable plan.

Defining Your Promotion

Before you can get promoted, you need to know what a promotion actually looks like for you. Ask yourself:

• What is the job title I’m aiming for?
• Do I want this role at my current company or elsewhere?
• Is it about a higher salary, more responsibility, or greater impact?

Be specific. For example, instead of saying, “I want a leadership role,” try this: “I want a Director of Operations role where I oversee a team of 10, manage strategic planning, and earn at least $150K.” Clarity helps you focus your efforts and communicate your goals effectively.

Once you’re clear about what a promotion looks like, your next step is to determine if you want an internal promotion or an external promotion.

The plan you’ll follow depends on whether you’re staying with your current organization or job searching at another organization.

Internal Promotion: Staying in Your Current Company

If you want to move up within your organization, the process is all about identifying gaps, building visibility, and positioning yourself as the obvious choice.

Here’s how to get promoted in your current company:

Step 1: Audit Your Current Role

Start by evaluating your current responsibilities, skills, and accomplishments. Where are you excelling, and where are the gaps that could hold you back from the role you’re aiming for?

Once you’ve defined your goal, take an honest look at where you are now. Identify the gaps between your current position and the one you want:

• Accomplishment gaps: Have you demonstrated measurable impact in areas that matter?
• Skills gaps: Do you need to develop new expertise or certifications?
• Visibility gaps: Does leadership know who you are and what you bring to the table?

Think about the measurable impact you’ve had in your current position. Have you improved processes, saved the company money, or delivered results that align with organizational goals? If these accomplishments aren’t visible to leadership, they’re less likely to help your case.

For example, if the role you want requires leadership experience, ask yourself, “Have I led projects that showcase my ability to manage and inspire teams?” If not, that’s a gap to address.

Step 2: Research the Promotion Process

Understanding your company’s promotion process is critical. Is it tied to performance reviews? Are promotions discussed during specific times of the year, like fiscal planning? Knowing the formal and informal rules ensures you’re not inadvertently missing key opportunities.

For instance, if promotions are typically discussed in Q2, you’ll want to start positioning yourself for consideration by Q1.

Speak to colleagues who have been promoted recently to understand what worked for them and use those insights to guide your approach.

Step 3: Build Relationships with Key Decision-Makers

Promotions often depend on who knows your value. Start by identifying the people who influence promotion decisions in your company — this might include your manager, senior leaders, or even peers who can advocate for your work.

For example, if a senior leader consistently interacts with your team but hasn’t worked directly with you, find ways to build a relationship. Volunteer to lead a project they’re overseeing or contribute insights during meetings to demonstrate your expertise.

Networking doesn’t have to feel transactional. It’s about building authentic connections and showing people what you’re capable of. Think of it as an extension of your work, not a separate “job.”

Step 4: Show Your Value

Many people assume their work speaks for itself, but the reality is that visibility matters. Use opportunities like team meetings, one-on-one check-ins, and performance reviews to share your contributions. Be specific about the outcomes of your work.

For example, instead of saying, “I improved team efficiency,” try: “By streamlining our project workflow, I reduced project timelines by 20% and saved the company $100,000 annually.” Concrete examples like this make your value undeniable.

Step 5: Fill Any Gaps

If you identified skill or experience gaps during your audit, now’s the time to address them. Look for stretch assignments, such as leading a cross-functional project or mentoring a junior team member. These opportunities help you build leadership experience and demonstrate readiness for more responsibility.

For example, one client of mine wanted to transition to a managerial role but lacked direct team leadership experience. She volunteered to coordinate a high-profile project, which gave her the chance to delegate tasks, manage timelines, and showcase her organizational skills. This not only closed her leadership gap but also increased her visibility within the company.

Step 6: Create a Promotion Plan

Develop a clear timeline with actionable steps. Let’s say you’re targeting a promotion by Q3. Your plan might include completing a relevant certification by March, leading a high-visibility project by June, and scheduling a conversation with your manager in July to discuss your readiness.

Breaking your goals into manageable milestones keeps you focused and ensures you’re making consistent progress.

Step 7: Prepare for the Promotion Conversation

When it’s time to advocate for your promotion, preparation is key. Use your achievements to build a compelling case, and tie your contributions to the company’s success. For example:

“Over the past year, I’ve implemented three process improvements that saved the team 200 hours of work and increased client satisfaction by 15%. I believe these results demonstrate my readiness to take on a leadership role.”

Be ready to address objections. If someone says, “You’re not ready,” ask for specific feedback: “What additional steps do you think I need to take to be fully prepared for this role?” Send an email documenting the conversation so you can follow up later.

Step 8: Find Mentorship and Support

You don’t have to navigate this journey alone. A mentor, coach, or supportive peer group can provide guidance, help you refine your strategy, and keep you motivated. They can also offer a fresh perspective and help you see opportunities you might have missed.

External Promotion: Moving to a New Company

If your current organization doesn’t offer growth opportunities, or you’ve been overlooked too many times, or maybe it’s just a toxic environment, it might be time to seek an external promotion.

If you decide you need to find a higher-level job at another organization, here’s how to get promoted in a new organization:

Step 1: Define Your Promotion Goals

Start by clarifying what you want from your next role. Are you seeking a higher salary, a specific title, or a better work environment? For example, you might decide:

“I want a Director of Marketing role in a company that prioritizes innovation, offers a salary of $150K, and provides opportunities for professional development.”

The clearer you are, the easier it will be to target the right opportunities.

Step 2: Research Target Companies

Make a list of companies that align with your goals. Use tools like LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and The Muse to research their culture, values, and employee reviews. Reach out to current or former employees to get a sense of what it’s like to work there.

For example, you might learn through an informational interview that a company you’re considering has a high turnover rate due to unrealistic expectations. This insight can help you avoid a potentially toxic workplace and focus on better opportunities.

Step 3: Update Your Resume and LinkedIn Profile

Your resume and LinkedIn profile should highlight your achievements and position you for the role you want. Focus on measurable results and transferable skills. For example:

“Developed a content strategy that increased website traffic by 50% and generated $1M in revenue.”

Incorporate keywords from job descriptions to improve your visibility to recruiters and applicant tracking systems.

Step 4: Build Relationships with Decision-Makers

Networking is essential for external promotions. Connect with recruiters, hiring managers, and industry leaders. A referral can significantly boost your chances of landing an interview.

Start by engaging with their content on LinkedIn or attending industry events to make genuine connections.

Step 5: Audit Your Job Search Process

If your strategy involves endlessly applying to jobs online, you’re going to be exhausted and burnout very quickly. Track your efforts to identify what’s working and refine your approach as needed.

Focus on targeted applications and prioritize networking.

Step 6: Sharpen Your Interview Skills

Interviews are your chance to stand out and to interview the organization for fit also. Practice answering common questions, prepare career stories that highlight your accomplishments, and develop thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer. Confidence comes from preparation.

Step 7: Negotiate with Confidence

When you receive an offer, don’t be afraid to negotiate. Use industry benchmarks to justify your counteroffer and highlight the unique value you bring. Remember, you can negotiate beyond salary — consider benefits, bonuses, and professional development opportunities.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re pursuing an internal or external promotion, the key to success is preparation, strategy, and confidence. By following these steps on how to get promoted, you can position yourself as the best candidate for your next-level role.

Need personalized support to make it happen? Learn more about my one-on-one coaching program, Next Level Career, and let’s work together to help you advance with faith and confidence.

This is your year. Let’s make it happen.