How I Got a Promotion at Work in My 30s: What I Wish I’d Known Sooner

Okay, this one’s a little more personal than my usual “here’s my Amazon cart” posts, but I get asked about this constantly, so let’s talk about it.

I’m 32, I’m a marketing director, and a leader on my team. If you’d told 24-year-old me that I’d be sitting in leadership meetings making decisions instead of just taking notes in them, I would not have believed you. Getting a promotion at work wasn’t luck, and it definitely wasn’t just “working hard and hoping someone notices” (nobody notices that- I’ll explain why below). It was a handful of things I did on purpose, over and over, until they became second nature.

Find Out Who You Are and Do It On Purpose- Dolly Parton

Getting a Promotion at Work: Real Tips

So here’s what actually moved the needle for me. Save this one, girl.

Be vocal about your thoughts- even when it’s uncomfortable
This was the hardest one for me, but I promise it pushes you to grow in the future. I used to sit in meetings with an opinion fully formed in my head and just… not say it. I didn’t want to seem like I was overstepping. But here’s the thing, the people who get promoted are the ones whose voices people can picture in the room. If you’re quiet in every meeting, nobody can picture you leading one. Start small: one thought, one question, one “here’s what I’m seeing” per meeting. It compounds fast. It also shows that you care enough to have an opinion, if you sit in silence, no one will ever know you cared.
Be the person who solves problems, not the person who reports them
This is genuinely the biggest one- even now when I hire team members- I look for problem solvers. Anyone can come to their manager and say “hey, this is broken.” The people who get promoted are the ones who come and say “hey, this is broken, and here’s what I think we should do about it.” Companies aren’t looking for people who can identify problems- they’re drowning in problems already. They’re looking for people who can think through them. Even if your solution isn’t the one they go with, you’ve just shown them you think like a leader.
Prep for your performance review like it’s a pitch meeting
I do not walk into a performance review and wing it, ever. I keep a running doc all year- every win, every metric, every project I led, every fire I put out, because you will not remember it in December when your manager asks “so what have you been working on.” I go in with bullet points, numbers where I can get them, and a clear ask for what I want next. Reviews aren’t just a check-in, they’re an audition for the next version of your role.
Lead your team the way you wished you’d been led
Once you’re managing people, this becomes just as important as your own output. I try to be the manager who tells my team what’s actually going on, who fights for them in rooms they’re not in, and who gives credit loudly and in public. That reputation travels and it’s a huge part of what gets you considered for bigger roles.
Always be dressed for the occasion- don’t dress lazy
This one might sound shallow next to “solve problems and lead your team,” but hear me out. How you show up physically is part of how people read your readiness for more responsibility. I’m not saying wear a blazer to answer emails at home. I’m saying: on the days that matter- your review, a leadership meeting, a client pitch, the day you’re asking for something- dress like you already have the job you want. It changes how you carry yourself, and honestly, it changes how the room treats you too.

My go-to for those days is a great pair of tailored trousers and a nice blouse. You can find all my Amazon Workwear below any other workwear staples on my LTK below! If you want a whole outfit formula without overthinking it, my petite business casual outfits guide has you covered start to finish.

FAQ:

Q: How do I ask for a promotion without sounding pushy?
A: Frame it around impact, not tenure. Instead of “I’ve been here two years,” try “here’s what I’ve delivered, and here’s the scope I’m ready to take on next.” It shifts the conversation from asking to proposing.

Q: What if I’m quiet by nature- can I still get promoted?
A: Absolutely. You don’t have to be the loudest person in the room, just the most prepared. Come with one solid point per meeting instead of trying to be “on” the whole time.

Q: Does how I dress at work actually matter for getting promoted?
A: It matters more than people admit. It’s not about designer labels- it’s about looking like you’re already operating at the next level. Save the loungewear, pajama vibes for weekends.

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XO, Whit

Whitney Lee