How to Get Promoted at Work

12-24 months is typical for most professional roles — long enough to demonstrate sustained impact, not just a strong first impression. In fast-growing companies, 9-12 months is common. Asking for a promotion before 9 months is generally premature unless you have dramatically exceeded expectations.

First, get explicit feedback on the gap: "I have been in this role for 18 months and believe I am ready — what specifically needs to be different before you would support a promotion?" If the feedback is vague or inconsistent with your performance, it is time for a candid conversation about the path forward — or a realistic assessment of whether this is the right company for your career.

Both work. Internal promotions are faster when you have strong sponsorship. External moves often produce larger salary jumps (20-30% is common) and faster title progression. The optimal strategy is to negotiate your next title internally — and use an external offer as leverage if needed.

First try the direct conversation described above. If you are consistently hitting targets and have explicitly communicated your promotion goals but are still being passed over after 12+ months, looking externally is rational. The job market is often the fastest path to the level you have already earned.

Both matter, but most people under-invest in sponsorship. A sponsor is someone with political capital who advocates for you in rooms you are not in — different from a mentor who gives advice. Research consistently shows that sponsored employees advance faster than equally capable unsponsored ones.