8 Signs You're Not Getting Promoted (And What To Do Next) (2024)

They work you so damn hard. But, will they promote you?

I hate to break it to you but sometimes high performers fail to get promoted.And if you’ve been heads down at work.

You might be missing the signs you’re not getting promoted.

The good news is that we’re here to help you determine whether or not your promotion is coming.

Here are 8 signs you’re not getting promoted and what to do about it.

8 Signs You’re Not Getting Promoted

1. Leadership seems distant lately

You used to have small talk with leaders across your company. But now this has changed. Leadership has become brief and distant with you.

Once business leaders make promotion decisions, they tend to withdraw around people who aren’t getting promoted.

Don’t overlook this, as it’s a sign you’re not getting promoted.

2. You’re Being Nitpicked

If suddenly you can’t seem to do anything right at work. Beware, as this is another sign you’re not getting promoted.

If you’re receiving more “constructive criticism” than normal. This can be a way for your company to justify not promoting you.

Don’t be afraid to challenge the feedback you receive and push back when necessary. Be your biggest advocate at all times.

3. You’ve been heads down at work

Being a hard worker can be a double-edged sword in the workplace.When you’re hyper-focused on deliverables at work.

You can miss opportunities to build relationships necessary for a promotion.

If you’ve been heads down and don’t have a sponsor to vouch for you at work. This can lead to missed opportunities including a promotion and pay raise.

4. Your work besties are toxic

You’re often guilty by association in the workplace. Meaning if your work bestie is a slacker who loves to gossip. So are you.

Leadership will have a hard time seeing you as a leader. If you’re not plugged into leadership circles at work.

Make it easy for them to promote you by surrounding yourself with high performers at work.

Check out this article to learn how to upgrade your social circle at work with high-value people.

5. You’re being assigned all the unsexy work

High-visibility projects can help make a business case for a promotion. And are usually reserved for people a company wants to groom for leadership.

If you’re getting assigned unsexy projects that keep you invisible. This can be a sign your company isn’t planning to promote you.

Now this doesn’t mean that you won’t do any grunt work.

However, if all your requests to take on big projects have been denied lately — pay attention.

6. Your boss isn’t a fan of yours

Your boss is typically the one to advocate for your promotion to senior leadership. And if they aren’t a fan of yours.

They likely won’t go out of their way to advance your career. Take an honest look at your relationship with your boss.

If it’s not where it should be. Consider this a sign that a promotion isn’t coming anytime soon. But there’s still hope!

Check out this article to learn how to advocate for yourself if your boss isn’t your fan.

7. You’re not getting invited to important meetings

Your company may not see you fitting into their future. And therefore may exclude you from meetings focused on the future direction of the company.

If you’re being left out of these types of meetings. Pay attention to this. As it can be a sign that you’re not getting promoted.

8. Your company is barely getting by

Sometimes you’re not promoted for reasons beyond your control. If your company is going through rough times like revenue loss or mass layoffs.

They may not have the budget to promote you right now. And you’ll have to decide whether to stick it out or look for a promotion externally.

However, if you’re getting assigned more responsibility but no promotion, you should address it. Here’s an article to help you do that!

What To Do Next

Hopefully, now you understand the signs you’re not getting promoted. If you’re not sure whether you’re ready for promotion.

Head to our Free Career Center and download our free Leadership Readiness Quiz. The quiz will help determine if you’re ready for the next level.

You can also download our Promotion Request Checklist to help you with asking for a promotion at work.

Over To You

Now that you’ve read these signs you’re not getting promoted. Do you think a promotion is in your near future? Let us know in the comments on social @netwerkmovement. And share this with your work besties!