A simple, but generally unsuccessful, approach to getting a promotion or raise is to ask for one.
Another ineffective method is asking simply because you’ve been at your job for a certain amount of time. And one sure way to not get a raise? Tell your boss you need more money because you just bought a new house.
Promotions and raises are not given. They are earned.
If you want to be promoted or earn more, you’ll need to actively promote yourself. While you can’t officially give yourself a new title or bigger paycheck, you do have more influence than you might think. It may take time and intention, but with a long-term mindset and this mantra, you’ll move your career—and hopefully your income—forward:
Do your best. Do some more. Let others know.
Do Your Best: Bare Minimums Don’t Earn Promotions
Do your job extremely well.
This might seem obvious, but it’s often overlooked. If you’re aiming for advancement, you can’t just do your job—you need to excel at it. Give 150%.
Treat everyone you work with like a client.
Offer superb “customer” service.
Listen deeply and respond appropriately.
Be timely and set realistic expectations.
Underpromise and overdeliver.
Stay flexible and proactive.
Yes, you may be going beyond your job description—but that’s part of truly doing your job well.
Do Some More: Take Initiative & Help Your Boss Succeed
Look around. What else can you do?
Think creatively about ways to make a difference. Take initiative and show how you stand apart through bold thinking, teamwork, and collaborative action.
Embrace teamwork across all levels of your organization.
Respect the chain of command, both explicit and implicit.
Be proactive: don’t wait to be asked.
Offer help and insight on projects.
Give feedback and initiate action independently.
Getting ahead doesn’t mean acting alone. It means acting with intention.
Keep in mind: helping your boss succeed helps you too. Most managers value loyalty, dependability, and awareness of the pressures they face. Communicate clearly, respect their time, and share important information.
Show that you’re not just a great team member—you’re leadership material.
Let Others Know: Share Your Work, Not Your Ego
Letting others know about your accomplishments takes tact.
Many people worry about sounding boastful—and rightfully so. Simply saying “I’m the best” or “My work is better than everyone’s” is not only unhelpful—it’s off-putting.
Instead, focus on these approaches:
Promote your team. Celebrating your team’s success reflects well on you and boosts morale.
Let your work speak for itself. Make the work the subject of your sentence, not you.
✔ “The X-project was completed a month early and came in 20% under budget.”
✘ “I finished the project early and saved money.”
Share relevant wins in context. Connect your accomplishments to current discussions.
Example: During a meeting about the marketing plan, mention a plan you created and why it succeeded. The result will be positively associated with you.
In every conversation, look for ways to add value—through ideas, insights, or questions.
Sell your team, your work, and your ideas. But not yourself.
The Bottom Line
Don’t assume that simply asking for a raise or promotion will get you what you want.
And finally, reflect on this “Would you give yourself a promotion? If so, why”
Because remember—promotions are earned, not given.