You Deserve That Promotion: Here’s How to Claim It

When was the last time you felt truly recognized for your hard work at the office? If you’re like many women working in the modern world, the answer might be “not often enough.” But here’s the truth: You deserve that promotion. Whether you’re stuck in a dead-end position, feeling like your contributions aren’t acknowledged, or simply wondering how to make your ambitions visible to your bosses, it’s time to shift your focus. The career ladder isn’t going to climb itself, and it’s time to take action.

So, let’s talk about how you can claim that promotion. Not just wish for it, not just wait for someone else to recognize your potential, but actively step into the position that you’ve worked so hard for.

Start With Confidence

It’s incredible how often women feel the need to second-guess themselves. The reality? Confidence is the key to claiming any promotion. When you’re feeling unsure of your abilities, it shows. But when you own your value, when you walk into a room with the quiet assurance that you have what it takes, that’s when the doors start to open.

Think about it: Have you ever seen someone—male or female—get promoted simply because they believed in their own worth? Confidence is magnetic. It doesn’t matter if you’ve been in your role for a year or a decade, if you can clearly communicate your achievements and the value you bring to your team, you’ve already taken a big step toward landing that promotion.

Own Your Achievements

Too often, women find it difficult to acknowledge their own successes. You know what you’ve achieved, but you’re too humble to mention it, right? Well, it’s time to change that. You’ve worked hard, and it’s okay to take pride in your contributions. Document your accomplishments, keep track of the projects you’ve led, the goals you’ve exceeded, and the positive feedback you’ve received. Don’t just let your accomplishments sit quietly on your desk. Be vocal about your results in a way that highlights the value you bring to the company. Speak up in meetings, showcase the results you’ve helped deliver, and let people know what you’ve done. After all, if you don’t highlight your own work, who will?

Ask for Feedback—and Act on It

If you’re serious about getting that promotion, you need to know where you stand. Asking for feedback might sound intimidating, but it’s actually one of the most effective ways to understand how others perceive your work and where you can improve. It shows that you care about growing and progressing, which is a key quality of a leader.

When you ask for feedback, make sure to take it seriously. Don’t just nod and say, “Okay,” then move on. Reflect on the insights you receive, and use them to enhance your skills and performance. If your manager tells you that you need to be more vocal in meetings, work on that. If they suggest you could take on more responsibility, step up. By showing that you can take constructive criticism and turn it into actionable improvements, you demonstrate a growth mindset—a trait that is invaluable when it comes to leadership.

Make Your Intentions Known

Sometimes, it’s as simple as telling your boss what you want. You might think that your hard work will speak for itself, and in an ideal world, it should. But unfortunately, we don’t always work in ideal situations. Sometimes, people need a little nudge to see the greatness that’s already right in front of them.

Schedule a one-on-one meeting with your manager and express your career aspirations. Let them know that you’re interested in taking on more responsibilities, growing within the company, and advancing your career. This isn’t about demanding a promotion—it’s about making your ambitions clear so that your manager can support you in reaching them. This conversation could be the key to making your promotion a reality.

Take on Challenges

A promotion isn’t just handed to anyone; it’s earned. One of the best ways to position yourself for the next step up is by taking on challenges that demonstrate your leadership abilities. Volunteer for high-visibility projects. Offer to mentor newer employees. Show that you can manage more, and be responsible for more.

When you demonstrate that you’re ready for the extra responsibility that comes with a promotion, it makes it much easier for your boss to see you as a contender. Show them that you’re not afraid to step outside of your comfort zone and take on the challenges that will help the company succeed. By doing so, you make it impossible for anyone to overlook the leadership potential you have.

Network and Build Relationships

It’s no secret that networking plays a massive role in career advancement. Building relationships with influential colleagues, senior leaders, and mentors can help you navigate the corporate ladder more effectively. By expanding your network and making meaningful connections, you increase your visibility within the company.

However, networking doesn’t have to be a chore. It can be as simple as seeking out lunch with a senior colleague, asking for advice on specific projects, or participating in company events. The goal is to foster connections that are authentic and supportive, people who will advocate for you when the time comes for promotion discussions. Strong relationships in the workplace can often make the difference between staying stagnant and moving up.

Be Patient, But Not Passive

Patience is essential when it comes to career growth, but there’s a fine line between waiting for the right opportunity and passively hoping that things will just fall into place. You have to be proactive. Keep an eye out for new opportunities, demonstrate your skills, and stay ready for any openings.

If there’s a promotion available, don’t wait for someone else to take the first step. Apply for it, express your interest, and back it up with the evidence of your work. And if there’s no immediate opening, stay focused, keep building your skills, and stay visible. Your moment will come—just make sure you’re ready for it when it does.

Go After What You Deserve

At the end of the day, you’re the only one who can claim your future. If you want that promotion, you need to own it. This is your career, and you have every right to pursue the success you desire. Be confident, assertive, and strategic. Show the world what you’re capable of, and don’t wait for someone else to decide that you’re ready for the next step.

You’ve worked hard. You’ve earned it. Now go claim that promotion—you deserve it.