How to Ask for a Promotion (And Actually Get It)

Asking for a promotion is not just about being good at your job — it is about timing, framing, and evidence. Most people wait until their annual review, then walk in with a vague request and hope for the best. The better approach is to start the conversation 3–6 months in advance. In this article, we show you: how to gather concrete evidence of your impact (metrics, projects, feedback), how to research the market rate for your target role, how to structure the conversation with your manager, and what to do if the answer is "not yet" (hint: it is not the end). We also cover the difference between a merit raise and a title promotion, and why the two are often negotiated separately.