'I'm a career expert. If you want a promotion next year, you need to be doing these 6 things.'

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We've reached "that time of year" again that comes with a mix of reflection, restlessness and big questions.

What's working? What's not? Can I really do this job again for another year? What's next?

For heaps of people I talk to that "what's next" is a promotion — but it's not as simple as "just work hard and you'll get noticed" (possibly some of the worst career advice, ever).

Watch: If self-promotion feels uncomfortable and fake, try this. Post continues below.

You can't assume you and your manager are on the same page about your next step.

They might think you're cruising. Meanwhile, you're ready for more. The only way to know for sure? You have to ask. And you have to be clear about what you're building toward.

Promotions aren't handed out for time served or quiet achievement. They're given to people who can show they're learning, growing, and ready for what's next.

There are questions you're probably not asking, but should be.

So, here's how to ask the right questions, map out a plan, and set yourself up for the next step.

1. Figure out where you stand.

It can feel pretty vulnerable but if you're going to start the conversation about what's next, you need to know where you're at right now.

Ask your Manager: "How do you think I'm tracking in my role right now?" or "What's one thing I could do better?"

Get their real perspective… not what you think they think.

2. Get clear on the gap.

Ask: "What would success look like at the next level?" or "What skills or results would you need to see from me to feel confident promoting me?"

Now you've got a real target, not guesswork.

3. Turn it into a plan.

Say: "What's one thing I could focus on this month to move closer to that goal?"

Then schedule regular check-ins to share your progress. 

A great promotion conversation isn't about doing more — it's about showing you're thinking differently, and how you're ready to operate at the next level.

It also shows you're serious and keeps you on their radar.

4. Build evidence not just effort.

Track things like feedback, wins, any measurable outcome you created. 

Promotions aren't about how long you've been in the role, they're about how ready you are for the next one and how you already demonstrate that.

Base your evidence list on facts, not feelings.

5. Develop the right skills.

Everyone's buzzing about AI skills right now but the higher you go in your career, the more human skills become a superpower — think communication, influencing, managing pressure. 

Pick one you don't have right now, learn a bit about it, use it in everyday situations. This doesn't have to be a 6-Month course, this is where microlearning and tools like Learna can help you.

Like riding a bike — it'll feel awkward at first, then easier over time.

6. Tell people about what you're doing.

Not in a braggy way. But if you're waiting to be noticed, you could be waiting a while…

Say to your Manager: "Here's how I'm tracking on what we talked about".

Then find ways to work with leaders in other teams and show what you're capable of. 

You have to think more intentionally about building your reputation. And I don't mean having a big personality or shouting your wins (I cringe at this). I mean the quiet (but visible) reputation you build over time.

Visibility isn't bragging — think of it as proof you're doing the work.

From what I've seen time and again, promotions don't go to the loudest person, they go to the most trusted. And trust comes from consistency, reliability, and being known for what you do well.

Finally, promotions don't happen by accident.

They happen when you're clear on what's expected, you build the skills to get there, and you show you're ready — when you make your growth impossible to miss.

Listen to more end-of-year career advice on Mamamia's daily news podcast he Quicky.

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