How to respond when someone asks for a promotion
During a career conversation, someone on your team asks when they can move to the next level.
What they might say
- “What do I need to do to get promoted?”
- “I feel like I'm already doing the next-level job.”
- “I've hit my goals, so what's next?”
What's usually behind it
They may want recognition, more responsibility, or a clearer path forward. Unclear expectations can make progress feel out of their control.
What you can say
- What would moving to the next level mean for you?
- Let's compare your recent work with the promotion criteria.
- I can't promise an outcome, but we can agree on next steps and a check-in date.
Try not to
- Promising a promotion before it's approved.
- Saying 'keep doing what you're doing' without specifics.
How Earshot helps in the moment
Earshot listens live, shows one short card with a suggested line to explore their growth goals, and nudges you on pace.
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