Signs you're ready for a promotion (and how to ask)

Wondering whether it’s time to move up? We unpack what being “ready” for a promotion really means – and why the groundwork often starts months before you ask.

So you’ve been in your role for a while and feel ready to move up – but you’re not quite sure what ready actually looks like.

In reality, securing a promotion isn’t about time served. It’s usually about whether you’re already operating at the next level, even if your job title hasn’t caught up yet.

If most of the following sound familiar, you may be closer than you think:

When hiring managers assess readiness for promotion, they tend to look beyond output alone. What often matters just as much is how someone shows up day to day – the energy they bring, how they collaborate and the impact they have on the wider team.

At creative studio Otherway, for example, readiness is judged less on years of experience and more on impact and independence. Junior creatives are supported to learn the craft, midweights are trusted to own projects and senior creatives are expected to set the creative standard and mentor others.

Or, as they describe it more simply: “We notice curiosity, collaboration and the energy someone brings to the work.”

That perspective is reflected more broadly across the industry. Major Players’ 2025 findings show that people involved in promotion decisions consistently rank attitude, initiative and collaboration above length of time in role.

How to ask for a promotion

When you’re ready to make your case for a promotion, preparation helps. Think of it like a creative pitch — you’re presenting evidence, not just enthusiasm. Here are four tips to give yourself the best chance:

1. Time it right

Promotions often happen during performance reviews – the meetings where your manager looks at your progress, pay and goals, usually once or twice a year. Sometimes, a standout project or clear growth between reviews can spark the conversation sooner.

If your company doesn’t have a set process, ask when these discussions normally happen.

“Ask for the job spec for the level above you. Map where you’re already operating at that level – and where you’re still growing.”OTHERWAY

2. Gather your evidence

Treat the conversation like a creative project. Use a simple doc to track examples of:

One practical starting point, according to Otherway, is to ask for the job spec for the level above you. “Use it as a tool,” they suggest, “to map where you’re already operating at that level – and where you’re still growing.”

3. Frame your case clearly

Explain how your contribution has grown and what impact it’s had. Instead of “I think I deserve a promotion”, try:

“Over the past few months, I’ve taken on X responsibilities and delivered Y results. I’d love to discuss how my role could evolve to reflect that.”

4. Ask for feedback

If it’s not a yes right now, ask what’s needed to get there – and agree on a check-in date to revisit the conversation. This shows initiative and keeps your progress on the radar.

If you’re preparing for a pay review or offer conversation, check out our guide on how to approach salaries and negotiation for more tips.

When it’s not the right time

Sometimes, even strong performers can’t be promoted straight away. This could be down to factors like budget freezes, restructures or team changes - all of which are outside your control.

If that happens, you can still move forward by:

Even when promotion isn’t possible right now, how you show up still matters. Managers often notice consistency long before a formal review. As one hiring lead puts it: “It’s not about shouting the loudest. It’s about how you show up, interact with the team, and get the job done.”

Remember growth isn’t always linear, and sideways steps or freelance projects can help you build the skills that make the next promotion possible.

Further reading and resources

Want to explore progression and pay transparency in more depth? Here are some of the best tools and reports by discipline – plus Creative Lives in Progress guides to help you take the next step.

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