Sometimes,
a promotion
will come up at work, and you’ll think you’re perfect for it. You get to the interview stage but are passed over in favour of a colleague or an external candidate. It’s easy to beat yourself up, but often, the reason you’re not climbing the career ladder isn’t obvious.
While a
2024 survey
found that 70 per cent of recent Gen Z graduates expect to be promoted within the first 18 months of employment, there often isn’t a clear timeline for career progression, and it can take years to work your way into a more senior role.
In many organisations, promotions are governed by senior leadership’s barely concealed favouritism, or often cloudy and intuitive feelings regarding an individual’s ability to succeed. Sometimes, you’re the best candidate on paper, but a panel member doesn’t think you’re the best fit at interview. You might ask for feedback, but it’s often difficult for
a hiring manager
to quantify a gut feeling on why you’re not the right person for the role.
If you’re trying and failing to gain a promotion, experts believe you may be sabotaging yourself without realising it. We spoke to recruitment and business coaching experts to determine what may be holding you back from securing a promotion.
You check your phone in meetings
If you’re required to be in the office more, your behaviour at work may harm your career progression. As independent HR consultant Sonia Inglis says, how you act in the office can significantly impact your work prospects. “Since return to the office mandates have become more popular, I have seen a
rise in employer complaints
around lateness, phone use during meetings, and taking extended lunch breaks.
“Yes, many employers want you to feel comfortable at work, but you can’t treat your office like it’s your home, and if you are not demonstrating basic office etiquette and work ethic, you will never be on the radar for promotion.”
You excel too much at what you’re currently doing.
Guillaume Santacruz, workplace expert and founder of
Zipcube
, says if you’re constantly solving problems, stepping in to help others, and keeping things afloat, you become indispensable – but not necessarily promotable.
Santacruz explains, “If you’re great at your job, leadership often worries about the gap you’ll leave behind. So, if there’s no clear replacement or succession plan, they may prefer to keep you where you are. Ironically, the best way to progress is to make yourself replaceable: coach others, delegate more, and show that your area will thrive even if you step away.”
You don’t go to after-work drinks
Many people proudly say they “don’t do office politics”, but as Santacruz explains, influence matters at a certain level in an office.
He adds: “Building relationships, aligning with key stakeholders, and understanding the unspoken dynamics of the business are all part of the game. That doesn’t mean being manipulative; it means being smart about where and how you show up.
If you remain unseen by key leaders, you might be overlooked just because they don’t consider you part of their inner group. Occasionally join them for post-work beverages — this small step could significantly impact your visibility.
You’re always ‘busy’ but not productive
We’ve all had a coworker who is constantly “busy,” yet you can never really determine how they spend their time. The founder and CEO of
The WayFinders Group
Leah Brown frequently addresses conflicts between senior staff members and their immediate subordinates, encountering the recurring theme of balancing business interests with operational impact.
In a blended workplace setting, effective communication requires extra effort. Managers can easily perceive others as neglecting duties or avoiding accountability under the guise of being busy without showing tangible outcomes. Those aiming for advancement ought to maintain regular and open dialogue to build feelings of trust and reliability.
The way you’re dressed makes you disappear.
Colour psychology consultant
J.Nichole Smith
Has spent more than two decades assisting individuals in crafting their personal brands and has seen firsthand the ability to alter how others view us through our attire. Smith remarks, “Though numerous signals contribute to strong initial impressions—ranging from nonverbal communication to emotional acumen—one of the quickest ways to make an impact is via the colors we decide to sport.”
Imagine selecting colors like black, gray, and navy—hues meant to blend in—that do not align with our personal style. By doing this, we end up becoming inconspicuous and lose the chance to display our strength and confidence.
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You focus on individual, not team achievements
When you put yourself forward
for a promotion
, you will want to highlight your personal achievements on your CV, but business coach
Matt Loftus
states that if you fail to identify your position within a group, you’re positioning yourself for defeat.
Loftus, who has trained C-suite executives, entrepreneurs, and top-level leaders across various fields and cultures, notes that organizations typically prioritize group achievements over personal accomplishments. “Clearly defining your contribution within the team—along with concrete instances—and illustrating how this supported an organization’s effective teamwork can make you shine among peers,” states Loftus.
You can’t handle stress or conflict
According Andy Coley, business coach and author of
Leadership is a Skill
,
the ability to understand, use, and manage your own emotions, as well as recognise and influence the feelings of others, is vital for career progression.
“Technical skills will open doors, but promotion into more senior roles often hinges on how well someone can influence others, navigate conflict, and stay composed under pressure. Employees who struggle to empathise, give or receive feedback effectively, or manage their emotions during stress can inadvertently create hesitation around their readiness for leadership – even if they excel in other areas.”
You haven’t invested in your career development
Leadership positions frequently require acquiring new abilities such as understanding finances, negotiating, or managing changes—skills that may not be developed solely through practical experiences. As a result, if your growth isn’t evident, you could be passed over in favor of individuals who show visible development.
As Cristiano Winckler, who leads digital operations at
Somebody Digital,
remarks, “Make sure to continuously pursue new knowledge, skills, and methods to broaden your proficiency—this could be through online courses and certifications or by observing and learning from experienced colleagues. Avoid assuming you have all the answers since there’s always room for additional learning!”
You’re keeping your goals hidden.
You might think that if you’re performing exceptionally well, others will take notice; however, Codie James, who is both a coach and the founder, suggests otherwise.
Bespoke Growth Solutions
According to him, “People frequently get held back due to how others view their preparedness for advancement. Stagnation might occur because of outdated reputations, insufficient strategic exposure, or an over-reliance on a single supporter. Additionally, unease with promoting oneself—especially in UK environments where humility is valued—can result in missed opportunities.”
James, who collaborates with FTSE100 companies, states, ”
Promotions
aren’t made in a vacuum; they’re shaped by what’s said about you when you’re not in the room. To move forward, professionals must do more than deliver – they need to make their ambitions visible.”