How to get a promotion: 7 tips

You want to take the next career step – and not leave it to chance? A promotion is your chance for real growth and more responsibility. These 7 tips show you how to strategically position yourself and convince at the decisive moment. 

1. Exceed Expectations

If you want to be promoted, you can’t just be “good enough” – you must show that there’s more in you. Don’t just complete your tasks, but think one step ahead: Take responsibility where others hesitate and actively contribute to problem solving. Identify weaknesses early and provide concrete, well-considered improvement suggestions. If you not only prepare for meetings but also think ahead and provide new insights, you'll quickly be perceived as a valuable team member. 

2. Build Valuable Contacts

Professional performance is important – but if you want to rise, you also need a strong network. By maintaining relationships with colleagues, superiors, and other key people, you make yourself visible and build influence strategically. Show up at team events, support new employees as they start, or help others in their daily work – not to please, but to create real added value for your environment. Because those who are perceived as reliable, collegial, and supportive are more likely to be considered for leadership tasks. 

3. Invest in Your Development

Stagnation is the enemy of any career. Those who regularly continue their education not only show commitment but also signal: I’m ready for more. Stay informed about current developments in your field, attend relevant workshops, or acquire certificates that sharpen your profile. This not only makes you indispensable professionally but also positions you as someone who grows along. 

4. Don’t Let Your Successes Go Unnoticed

Good work alone is not enough – it also needs to be seen. Those who make their achievements visible build trust in their reliability. Document your successes, e.g., in the form of short monthly reports or team updates, and show the contribution you really make. This way, you systematically build a performance profile and position yourself for promotion. 

5. Show Leadership Qualities Early 

Leadership doesn’t start with the title. Even without a formal leadership role, you can show that you can take responsibility and bring others along. Take charge of small projects, make decisions within the team, or assist colleagues in doing their tasks more efficiently. Those who live leadership before it becomes official stand out positively – and automatically come into question for the next career step. 

6. React Calmly to Changes

Change is everyday life in many companies – those who pull along instead of blocking show real potential. Adaptability doesn’t mean going along with everything, but actively finding solutions when conditions change. Whether it's new processes, unplanned tasks, or short-term challenges: If you show willingness to go beyond your responsibilities, you prove that you can be relied on – even when things don’t go according to plan. 

7. Actively Seek Feedback

Those who want to grow must know where they stand. By actively seeking feedback from superiors and colleagues, you not only show openness to criticism but also the willingness to develop further specifically. Feedback helps you identify potential for improvement and systematically expand your strengths. This positions you as a reflective, eager-to-learn personality – a clear signal for decision-makers in the company. 

Conclusion

The path to promotion is certainly demanding, but definitely achievable with targeted strategies. By continuously working on your professional expertise and social skills, showing initiative, and building a strong professional network, you lay the foundation for your career advancement. 

You can find more career tips on our blog!