Over the last few months, I’ve had countless conversations with ambitious professionals who know they’re ready for a promotion, or at least something more, but can’t quite pinpoint what that “more” is, or how to make it happen.

The good news? Career progression doesn’t have to mean climbing up the traditional ladder. Sometimes it’s about moving sideways, leading a new project, or stepping into work that feels more aligned with who you are right now.

I shared more on this recently in an Urban List article about how to get promoted at work. But in the latest Eating Your Cake Too podcast episode, I’m breaking down four practical steps you can start today to get noticed at work and strategically shape what comes next in your career.

1. Get clear on what you really want (beyond just “promotion”)

Before you start planning how to get promoted at work, pause and ask: What does progression actually look like for me right now?

Swapping out the word promotion for progression opens up new paths and greater opportunities: maybe it’s a sideways move to learn new skills, leading a stretch project, or pivoting into a team you’re curious about.

Ask yourself:

  • Where am I feeling bored or restless?
  • What type of work would challenge and excite me?
  • What would feel like progress, not just look good on a CV?

2. Act like you’re already in your next role

If you want to get promoted at work, don’t wait for the title to start showing up differently. Start demonstrating your readiness now.

This might look like:

  • Sharing ideas that go beyond your current role
  • Talking about outcomes and impact, not just tasks or “to do” list items
  • Stretching your network inside the organisation
  • Asking thoughtful questions that show big‑picture thinking

When you act like you’re ready, others start to see it too.

3. Build your career currency & increase your known value

Hard work alone isn’t always enough to get noticed at work. To move forward, you need to build career currency: a mix of performance currency (the visible contribution of your knowledge, skills, and work) and relationship currency (who knows you and what they know about you).

Think about:

  • Who do you need to know to reach your next role?
  • Who needs to know you, and what do they need to know?
  • Do you have a sponsor or someone with influence who can advocate for you?

Being great at your job is powerful, but making sure your value is seen strategically makes the difference.

4. Advocate for yourself like it’s a skill

If you feel ready for a progression, don’t just hope someone notices. Strategic self‑promotion isn’t bragging, it’s part of your leadership.

That could look like:

  • Letting leaders know your aspirations and what you’re doing to develop yourself
  • Asking for feedback on how to position yourself for your next move
  • Following up to show how you acted on their advice and what you learnt (AKA, closing the loop)

Remember: Hope isn’t a strategy. Making your ambitions visible and backed by action is how you can progress without losing yourself along the way.

Progression isn’t always a straight ladder climb. By getting clear, showing up, building your network, and advocating for yourself, you’re far more likely to shape a next step that feels right for you and not just what the next step on the ladder should be. 

Listen to the full episode here OR, if you want to really get serious about building a sustainable and fulfilling career, grab yourself or your team a copy of my book ‘Less Hustle, More Happy: Be seen, valued and fulfilled at work without selling your soul’ here.