Promotion 101

“Success is not final; failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that count.” —?Winston Churchill.

Let’s talk about promotion.

I have gone through multiple promotion cycles in all the companies I worked for.

At Apple, I was promoted from technical advisor to technical supervisor.

At Amazon, I was promoted from recruiting assistant to recruitment coordinator to recruiter.

At Revolut, I was recently promoted from recruiter to recruitment lead.?

But it wasn’t always straightforward.

I also felt frustrated about not getting the promotion I thought I deserved. ?

When I was at Amazon, I worked my butt off for over a year for a promotion from junior recruiter to mid-level recruiter that I never ended up getting.

Which helped me discover a different way of earning a promotion. I’ll talk more about it in a second.

Let’s break down promotion into 8 practical steps:

1. Identify the real reason for not getting the promotion
2. Check all your available options (even outside of the company, like I did when I moved from Amazon to Revolut)
3. Keep track of your achievements and projects as best as you can
4. Ask about the team environment and future growth opportunities during the interview
5. Clarify what is expected from you from day one
6. Focus on delivering what’s expected from you
7. Be clear with your boss about your goals as early as possible
8. Never say no to new opportunities because “you don’t feel ready.”

I.???????????????????????????? ?Identify the real reason for not getting the promotion.

When you’re overlooked for a promotion, dig deeper than surface-level feedback. Sometimes, it's not about performance alone; it could be timing, budget constraints, or changes in business priorities. By identifying what really held you back, you can strategically address gaps or set more realistic timelines, strengthening your next attempt.

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II.????????????????????????? Check all your available options.

Sometimes, the growth you’re looking for might be waiting outside your current role or company. Explore industry trends, network within your field, and research other organisations. Moving to a new company can fast-track your career by offering fresh challenges and development opportunities that align more with your goals. I got a promotion from Amazon to Revolut by moving into a mid-level recruiter role, and one year later, I was promoted to Recruitment Lead.

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III.?????????????????????? Keep track of your achievements and projects as best as you can.

Document everything, even if it seems minor at the time. Keep a log of projects, results, and positive feedback. Regularly updating this list lets you showcase your impact during review time. It also helps you write your resume and makes future interview preparation easier. Plus, it enables you to measure your own progress, giving you the confidence to advocate for yourself.

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IV.????????????????????? Ask about the team environment and future growth opportunities during interviews.

Don’t wait until you’re hired to understand your growth path. During interviews, ask about the company’s promotion criteria, team dynamics, and potential career progression. If you want to move from individual contributor to management, share it with the hiring manager and ask if it aligns with the team strategy. ?It’s crucial to ensure that the culture supports your growth ambitions so you’re not left hoping for a promotion that isn’t realistic.

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V.???????????????????????? Clarify what's expected from you from day one.

Setting clear expectations upfront is essential for aligning with your team’s goals and your manager’s vision. Ask questions, seek clarity on responsibilities, and understand the performance metrics. That way, you have a roadmap from the start, and there’s less chance of veering off course when it’s time for reviews.

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VI.????????????????????? Focus on delivering what’s expected from you.

Once you’re clear on your role and goals, give it your all. Meet your targets and take on extra projects that align with the team’s goals. It’s about showing that you’re not only reliable but also willing to go the extra mile. Consistent, high-quality work builds credibility that managers recognise when promotion time comes around.

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VII.?????????????????? Be clear with your boss about your goals as early as possible.

Let your manager know your career ambitions from the outset. Whether you want to specialise in your field or aim for leadership, this shows you’re proactive and committed to growing with the company. Open, early conversations about your goals help your manager guide you towards the steps you’ll need to take for that promotion.

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VIII.??????????????? Never say no to new opportunities because “you don’t feel ready.”

Growth rarely happens inside your comfort zone. Don’t be afraid to accept new challenges that might stretch your abilities. Saying “yes” shows your adaptability and willingness to grow. Often, these experiences prepare you for bigger roles and strengthen your case for promotion.

I hope you get the promotion you’re working toward. Sometimes, progress can feel slow or challenging, but resilience is key. Keep showing up, keep learning, and keep pushing forward. All efforts pay off sooner or later.

Thanks for reading me,

Damien

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