The secret to cracking the promotional code is often factors that do not come to mind when you wonder why you were overlooked for a coveted step-up position. Some are even counterintuitive. Understanding the company vision and promoting manager motivations will help you open the doors to getting off the ground floor.

Do You Check The Box?

You need to be more than just competent to stand out from your competition. If you always put out good work on time and meet your current job requirements, don’t be surprised if management is less than impressed. It’s not enough to check the boxes. Those who get recognized and often rewarded are typically going the extra mile. And if you want your name to stand out, strive to bring that extra value to your team and your whole organization. Not sure what value you can bring? Even asking your manager where your division struggles or what challenges the organization faces shows your vested interest in the company’s success and can direct you to where you can lend a hand.

Are You Viewed Through Tunnel Vision?

Functional business units within a company often operate in a siloed fashion. This can limit your exposure to promotional opportunities outside your current role’s division. Managers tend to look within their groups for candidates when filling roles. If you are considered an R&D person, your name will likely not be in the hat for a field-based role. A good practice for any position you are in is to ask to be part of projects that work with cross-functional business units. Even if you are not yet equipped to be an active participant, ask to be kept in the loop and observe the process where appropriate. Not only will you become recognized outside of your division, but you will also have the opportunity to see first-hand other types of roles and identify which ones appeal to you. You will also gain a greater understanding of a company’s vision and verbiage used. Understanding the vision and using the correct verbiage in your communications positions you as a seasoned individual within the organization.

Are You The G.O.A.T.?

It would seem intuitive that excelling in your current position would place you in the best possible light for a promotion, but depending on what you do with your skill set can hinder your chances. Yes, managers should be promoting those who are consistently best in class in their roles, but the reality is that many fear the void left behind by a star player. If no one can do it better, productivity and growth will be impacted by the vacancy you leave behind. How do you get around this and still produce excellent results? The key is to bring competent coworkers alongside you and guide them on your methods. Keeping your manager in the loop is essential and will allow you to showcase leadership skills and ensure they can afford to “lose” you to a higher position because they have someone to fill your shoes.

Have You Asked The Magic Question?

Are you ready for a promotion but constantly being overlooked? Earning a promotion is not a game of Duck, Duck, Goose! If you are not getting tapped on the shoulder, consider this – have you even asked for one? Does your manager know you are interested in that next step? A good team player with a great attitude can convey someone content with exactly what they are doing. Don’t assume your manager knows your career goals. This should be part of your strategy early on in your role. You should convey your desire to grow within the company in specific roles. Asking for feedback on your progress and areas to focus on will reflect your desire and demonstrate your ambition and efforts to get there.

Managers Do Judge A Book By Its Cover

Impressions matter, and corporate culture can vary dramatically in today’s workplace. A company’s culture can easily be misidentified with pandemic-induced remote roles and flexible workplace parameters. Being prepared for meetings, dressing professionally within the company’s standards, and being on time for meetings and deadlines, all convey a high degree of professionalism, which managers very much judge. Don’t be fooled by a laissez-faire corporate feel where every day feels like a casual Friday, and deadlines can be pushed to Monday. Never will this be more important in winning a promotion than in the interview. Do your homework on the role. Be prepared to ask well-thought-out questions. Come ready to state your value proposition with documentation to back it up. Come dressed professionally and be on time. By doing so, you are showing your readiness for the role and your respect for the manager considering you for it.

Remember that no one deserves a promotion. When you can earn one, make the most of it.