Climbing the corporate ladder often requires a thoughtful and proactive strategy, not just hard work. Promotions rarely happen by chance—they often go to those who consistently deliver value, make their work visible, and take initiative.

Katie Smith, a Fortune 500 veteran and founder of Get a Corporate Job, has developed an 8-step framework designed to help professionals improve their chances of securing promotions with greater confidence. In this first part, she shares four key steps to gaining recognition and positioning yourself for advancement.

Step 1: Get in the Game

The first step to increasing your likelihood of earning a promotion is understanding that it’s often a process. There’s no single task that ensures career advancement—it typically requires sustained effort over time. Employees who frequently go beyond their job description, take on additional responsibilities, and contribute at a higher level are often more likely to move up.

Success in the corporate world often hinges on intentional action. Instead of waiting for an opportunity to arise, consider committing to a long-term strategy of strengthening your case for promotion through consistent performance and added value.

Step 2: Track Your Work

Many professionals find it challenging to articulate their accomplishments when it’s time for a performance review or promotion discussion. Keeping a detailed record of achievements, projects, and contributions can help provide clear evidence of impact.

A simple system, such as maintaining a monthly folder, spreadsheet, or digital tracker, may make it easier to showcase results when the opportunity arises. Employees who can present tangible proof of their contributions often have an advantage when promotions are being considered.

Step 3: Fill the Downtime

Efficiency is a strength, but what employees do with their extra time can be just as important as completing tasks quickly. Instead of waiting for more assignments, many high performers use downtime productively to add value in ways that may get noticed.

Some potentially effective ways to maximize extra time include:

• Assisting with high-visibility projects.
• Helping colleagues with their workload.
• Identifying process improvements or opportunities for innovation.

Going beyond assigned responsibilities can demonstrate initiative, leadership, and a readiness for greater responsibility—qualities that are frequently valued when selecting candidates for promotion.

Step 4: Be Visible

Strong performance alone may not always be enough to secure a promotion. In many cases, visibility plays a significant role in who advances. Even high-performing employees can be overlooked if decision-makers aren’t aware of their contributions.

To help increase visibility, consider:

• Speaking up in meetings and actively contributing to discussions.
• Ensuring key stakeholders are informed of major achievements.
• Building relationships with leadership and colleagues who might advocate for career growth.

In competitive workplaces, promotions often favor those whose names come up most frequently when opportunities arise. Employees who actively showcase their contributions may position themselves more effectively for advancement.

Position Yourself for Success

Getting promoted isn’t solely about working hard—it’s about working strategically. By applying these four steps, professionals can begin building a stronger foundation for career growth and enhance their visibility in the corporate world.

Stay tuned for Part II, where Katie Smith will share four additional steps to help accelerate career advancement. Learn more about Katie Smith and how Get A Corporate Job can help you land, grow, and thrive in corporate at https://www.getacorporatejob.com/.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered professional career advice. Career progression and promotion opportunities vary based on individual circumstances, company culture, and industry standards. It is recommended to consult with a career coach or HR professional to tailor strategies to your specific situation. The methods outlined here may not guarantee promotion, and results depend on various factors.

Published by Jeremy S.