We’ve all seen it—some people get ahead at work not because they’re the best at what they do, but because they play the game. Office politics, sucking up to the boss, working insane hours—none of that should be a requirement for career growth. So how do you actually get promoted without becoming a corporate robot?
The key is working smarter, not harder. Here’s how.
1. Stop Waiting for Recognition
A lot of people assume that if they just work hard, someone will notice and reward them. That’s a myth. Promotions don’t always go to the hardest workers; they go to the people who make their value undeniable. If you’re delivering results but staying quiet about them, you’re making it easy for your contributions to be overlooked.
Do this instead:
✅ Keep track of your wins—big and small.
✅ Regularly update your boss on what you’ve achieved.
✅ When talking about projects, highlight your impact.
Example: Instead of saying, “The campaign went well,” say, “The campaign I led increased engagement by 40%, and I optimized our strategy to reduce costs.”
2. Make Your Boss’s Life Easier
Like it or not, your boss has influence over your career. Instead of just asking for a promotion, position yourself as someone they need on their team.
Ways to stand out:
🔹 Identify problems in the company and offer solutions.
🔹 Take ownership of your work instead of waiting for instructions.
🔹 Ask your boss about their biggest challenges and find ways to help.
The more you position yourself as irreplaceable, the harder it will be for them to ignore you when promotions are on the table.
3. Build Relationships (Without Being Fake)
Networking doesn’t mean kissing up to people—it means building relationships with the right people who can vouch for you. Promotions aren’t just about skills; they’re about visibility.
How to do it without being cringe:
✔ Engage with leadership in meetings—ask smart questions.
✔ Support your coworkers—when they succeed, they’ll return the favor.
✔ Find a mentor who can help you navigate office dynamics.
The more people know and respect your work, the more likely your name will come up when opportunities open.
4. Negotiate Like You Mean It
Sometimes, you won’t be offered a promotion—you’ll have to ask for it. And when you do, be prepared.
How to make a strong case:
✅ Show data on how your work has benefited the company.
✅ Compare your salary to industry standards.
✅ Mention any extra responsibilities you’ve taken on.
If they say no, don’t just accept it. Ask what specific milestones you need to hit for a promotion, get it in writing, and follow up in a few months.
5. Know When to Walk Away
If you’ve done everything right and you’re still being overlooked, it’s not you—it’s the company. Some workplaces will never promote young talent, no matter how hard you work. If that’s the case, take your skills elsewhere.
A promotion isn’t just about getting a new title—it’s about knowing your worth and making sure you’re in a place that values you. At GEN, we’re here to make sure Gen Z workers aren’t stuck in dead-end jobs with no growth. If your company isn’t giving you what you deserve, there are better options out there.
