If you’ve been crushing it at work, taking on more responsibility, and feel like it’s time to move up, you might be wondering - how do I actually ask for a promotion?
Yeah, it can feel a little awkward. But here’s the thing: asking for a promotion isn’t selfish or pushy - it’s smart. In fact, most managers expect it at some point, and when you do it the right way, it shows initiative, confidence, and commitment.
Asking for a promotion is a normal and healthy part of career growth, and with the right approach, it can lead to the recognition and role you deserve.
Understand the Right Timing
The first step in this process is recognizing when the timing is right. You want to have a solid track record to stand on. Have you been in your current role long enough to prove yourself? Have you been consistently meeting or exceeding expectations? Have you stepped up and taken on tasks that go beyond your job description? If the answer is yes to most of these questions, that’s already a great sign. Timing can vary depending on the company or industry, but a general rule is that you should have spent enough time showing your value before making the ask.
Prepare Your Case
Once you feel confident that the timing makes sense, it’s time to prepare. This part is all about gathering your wins and putting together a strong case for yourself. Think about the projects you’ve led or contributed to, any improvements or results that happened because of your work, and the responsibilities you’ve taken on outside your normal role. Pull together any positive feedback from colleagues or supervisors, and if you can, do a bit of research on what similar roles look like at other companies in terms of responsibilities and salary. This will help you feel more confident and informed going into the conversation.
Schedule a Proper Conversation
Now, don’t just casually mention a promotion during a random hallway chat or team meeting. Instead, schedule a dedicated time with your manager where you can talk one-on-one. You can say something simple and professional like, “I’d love to set up some time to talk about my growth here and the next steps in my role.” This gives your manager a heads-up that the conversation will be career-focused and allows them to come prepared as well.
Lead the Conversation With Your Value
When it’s time for the actual conversation, lead with what you’ve accomplished, not just what you want. Focus on how your work has contributed to the team or company goals. For example, you could start by saying that you’ve really enjoyed taking on new challenges, that you’ve grown through recent projects, and that you feel ready for more responsibility. Share specific examples of your achievements and explain why you believe a promotion is a logical next step. Keep your tone confident but open—you’re not demanding, you’re initiating a professional dialogue.
Be Open to Feedback
Now, even if you do everything right, sometimes the answer won’t be an immediate yes. Your manager might need time to consider your request, or they may want to see more progress in certain areas. That’s completely normal. If you don’t get a firm answer right away, don’t get discouraged. Instead, ask for feedback. You can say something like, “I’d love to understand what I can work on to be ready for the next step,” or “What goals should I focus on to move forward in my career here?” This shows maturity and commitment to growth.
Follow Up and Stay Committed
After the conversation, be sure to follow up. Send a quick thank-you message to your manager, summarizing what you discussed and any action items or goals you agreed on. This keeps the conversation fresh in their mind and shows that you’re taking the process seriously.
If the response you get is positive and things move forward, that’s amazing—go celebrate your progress. But if the answer is a no or a “not now,” try not to take it personally. Use it as fuel to improve and re-approach the conversation when the time is right. Keep tracking your achievements, take on challenges, and continue to check in about your progress.
Know When to Rethink Your Options
Sometimes, though, the lack of opportunity or recognition could be a sign to reflect more deeply. If you’ve been passed over repeatedly, or if your company doesn’t seem to support growth even when you’re doing your best work, it might be time to consider whether a different role or workplace could offer what you’re looking for. It’s okay to outgrow a position or even a company. Career growth often involves taking bold steps—and asking for a promotion is one of those steps.
Final Thoughts
The bottom line is this: asking for a promotion isn’t just about getting a new title or more money. It’s about acknowledging your value and taking charge of your career journey. When done thoughtfully, it shows leadership, initiative, and self-awareness. Don’t wait around for someone to notice your efforts—speak up for yourself. You’ve worked hard, and you deserve to grow. Whether the promotion happens right away or down the line, asking is a powerful move forward.