You've been working late. You've been "exceeding expectations." You think your boss is going to tap you on the shoulder and hand you a Senior title.
Wake up. That only happens in movies.
In the real world, promotions are budget decisions. Your boss isn't thinking about your career; they are thinking about their P&L. If you want a promotion, you have to sell it like a product. You need a business case, not a sob story.
For more on how to manage your career, check out our guide on personal growth plans.
The Scenario
You walk into your 1:1. You say, "I've been here two years and I work really hard. Can I be a Senior Dev?"
Your boss sighs. "We really value you, but the budget is tight right now. Let's revisit in 6 months."
You leave feeling defeated. You just got played. You asked for a favor instead of presenting a business transaction.
The Old Way vs. The New Way
The old way was relying on tenure. The new way is relying on leverage.
| Feature | The Old Way (Passive) | The New Way (Active) |
|---|---|---|
| Trigger | "I've been here 2 years." | "I'm already doing the job." |
| Evidence | "I work hard." | "I saved the company $50k." |
| Timing | Annual Review. | 3 months before the Annual Review. |
| Leverage | "Please." | "Here is my market value." |
| Outcome | "Maybe next year." | "Let's get this approved." |
1. The "Pre-Work" (3 Months Out)
Do not ask for a promotion today. Start building the case 3 months ago. You need to document every "Senior" thing you do.
- Did you mentor a junior? Write it down.
- Did you fix a production outage? Write it down.
- Did you lead a meeting? Write it down.
Create a "Brag Document." This is your evidence locker. When you walk into the meeting, you don't say "I did good stuff." You slide a 2-page PDF across the table that lists 15 specific wins.
2. The "Gap Analysis"
Find the job description for the role you want. Print it out. Highlight every line you are already doing. Highlight every line you are not doing.
For the gaps, make a plan. "I see Senior Devs need to lead architecture reviews. I haven't done that. Can I lead the review for the Payment Service next week?" Close the gaps before you ask for the title.
3. The "Business Case" Pitch
When you ask, use this script: "I've been operating at the Senior level for the past 6 months. Here is a document outlining my impact, including [Project X] which saved us [Amount]. I'd like to formalize this role so I can take on even more ownership of [Future Project]."
Notice the framing. You aren't asking for a reward for past work. You are asking for authority to do future work. Companies pay for future value, not past effort.
4. The "No" is Just Data
If they say no, ask: "What is the specific gap between my current performance and the Senior level?" Force them to give you a checklist. "If I do X, Y, and Z, will you promote me in 6 months?" Get it in writing. If they refuse to give you a checklist, they are never going to promote you. Leave.
5. The "Market Check"
Know your number. If a Senior Dev makes $160k and you are at $120k, you need to know that. Interview with other companies. Get an offer. Nothing motivates a manager like the fear of losing you. "I love it here, but the market rate for my output is $160k. I'd prefer to stay, but I need us to close that gap."
The Real Numbers
Promotions are cheaper than hiring. Remind your boss of this.
| Cost | Internal Promotion | External Hire |
|---|---|---|
| Salary | $140,000 | $160,000 |
| Recruiting Fee | $0 | $30,000 (20% of salary) |
| Onboarding | 0 Days | 3 Months |
| Risk | Low (Known entity) | High (Could be a dud) |
| Total Cost | $140,000 | $210,000+ |
Promoting you saves them $70,000. You are doing them a favor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Should I threaten to quit? A: Only if you are ready to quit. Never bluff. If you pull the "I have another offer" card, be prepared to sign it. It burns political capital, but it works.
Q: Can I get a promotion without a raise? A: Yes, it's called a "Dry Promotion." Take it only if you plan to leave. The new title looks great on your resume. Use it to get a 30% raise at your next company.
Q: What if my boss says "It's not up to me"? A: They are lying (or weak). Your boss has to fight for you in the "Calibration Meeting." If they won't fight for you, find a new boss. Give them the ammo (your Brag Doc) to win the fight.
Q: How often should I get promoted? A: Early career (Junior to Mid): 1-2 years. Mid to Senior: 2-4 years. Senior to Staff: 4+ years. If you have been a Junior for 4 years, you are stagnating. Move or quit.