Getting promoted oftentimes isn’t about being “the best.”
It’s actually far more about being reliable—and people being able to trust that you won’t make little mistakes.
For software engineers seeking promotion, these are the 5 small (but easily fixable) mistakes most people make—and why, if you can avoid these, your career is going to accelerate exponentially.
Mistake #1: Not Choosing Impactful Projects
Selecting the right projects to work on is crucial for standing out and advancing in your career.
Rather than waiting for impactful projects to be assigned to you, it’s important to proactively seek out or propose projects that have significant potential to drive the company forward. Impactful projects often involve cross-team collaboration or serve as major revenue drivers, making them highly visible and valuable from a business perspective. By initiating and leading such projects, you not only demonstrate your leadership skills but also your ability to operate at a level that benefits the entire organization or at least a significant part of it.
Engaging with projects that serve as a force multiplier for the company not only showcases your capabilities but also positions you as an indispensable asset, greatly enhancing your chances for promotion.
Mistake #2: Not Delivering Results
Consistently delivering results is essential for demonstrating your readiness for promotion.
It’s not enough to simply volunteer for tasks or talk about what you plan to do; the key to recognition and advancement is in the execution. By consistently completing projects successfully and on time, you affirm your competence and reliability. This consistent performance proves to your supervisors and peers that you can handle increased responsibilities and challenges.
Ultimately, by reliably delivering results, you establish yourself as a dependable and capable member of the team, significantly strengthening your case for promotion.
Mistake #3: Not Performing on +1 Level
An unspoken rule for promotion is the expectation to perform at a level higher than your current one.
Often referred to as the “promotion tax,” this requirement entails demonstrating the capabilities and responsibilities of the next level up for at least six months before being considered for promotion. This means taking on more complex projects, leading initiatives, or mentoring newer team members—all activities that showcase your ability to operate effectively at a higher level. By not stepping up to these challenges, you may inadvertently signal that you are not yet ready for advancement.
Therefore, consistently performing at this elevated level is crucial; it serves as proof of your readiness to handle the responsibilities that come with a higher position, making a compelling case for your promotion.
Part 2 is here .