How to get a promotion

Career promotion is about aptitude, ambition and a consistent effort over time. With smart preparation, the right attitude and a good support network, you will be in a strong position to take that next step. Use these tips to start preparing today for the job you want tomorrow.

Talk to your manager

It is crucial that your boss is a key supporter of your promotion. Those who get results get ahead, so remind them of everything you do that adds real value. Discussing your ambitions with your manager also helps them to understand your goals so they can help you reach them. Show initiative by asking them how you can take on more responsibility within or outside your own team in order to broaden your experience.

Find a mentor

Finding a mentor is one of the smartest ways to get ahead in your career. You can draw on their experience to find out how to navigate the company, and they can provide valuable guidance to advance your career. Building a strong relationship with someone higher in the company can also help to open doors; they can spread the good word about you and act as a referee when you apply for a new opportunity or promotion.

Increase your skills

Having the right skills and abilities to produce high-quality work is essential in being considered for promotion. Identify any knowledge or skill gaps you need to address to take on your next level role. Use your current job to acquire as many skills as you can, and volunteer for opportunities to expand your skillset. Try to help out with work from the level above you to demonstrate that you are capable of that position, and could hit the ground running.

Prove your worth

To maximise your chances of being considered for promotion, you must first exceed expectations in your existing role. In addition to strong technical competence, earning a reputation for being a dependable, capable, hard worker is also essential. Try to cultivate these attributes to help prove your worth.

Are you earning what you're worth? Gain valuable salary insights with our latest Salary Guide and confidently plan your next career move.

Compare my salary

Summary

Advancing your career within your current organisation takes preparation, but proving your capabilities and contribution in your current role will set you up to advance to a more senior position. To become the ideal candidate for a promotion you should:
  • Discuss your ambitions with your boss
  • Demonstrate initiative to increase your skills and responsibilities 
  • Find a mentor within your organisation

Salary Guide Australia

Discover your value with salary benchmarks across various industries.

Compare my salary

Boost your career performance

Sign up for job alerts

Stay on top of the job market and the latest roles with our job alerts.

Create job alerts

Looking for a new role?

Quickly find jobs that match your CV with our Job Match tool.

Upload my CV

Maximise your job search success

Join over 60,000 readers!
Receive free advice to help give you a competitive edge in your career.

Simplify your job search by downloading our new App

Download Our App Download Our App