Should I Ask for a Promotion?
Ask too early and a “not yet” can reset the clock. Wait too long and someone else gets the role. This 2-minute quiz shows which side of the line you are on, and what to do before you ask.
Ask now, or build your case first?
Ten honest questions about your role, your results and your company. You get a readiness score out of 100 and three things to do next.
Answer for where you are today, not where you hope to be.
Your next three steps
Where you stand
The free Supervisor Readiness Assessment walks you through 15 everyday situations from leading a team and shows which parts of the job you are ready for. No payment.
Take the Supervisor AssessmentA self-reflection quiz to help you plan a conversation, not a prediction of what your employer will decide.
Why timing matters
The difference between a “yes” and a “not yet” often comes down to preparation, not performance. Managers say yes when the case is easy to make: the work is already happening, the results are written down, and the people who decide have seen them.
The quiz checks the factors that shape promotion decisions, so you can walk in with confidence or know exactly what to work on first.
Signs you might be ready
- You’re already doing work above your current role
- Your manager relies on you for important decisions
- You’ve had positive feedback in recent reviews
- You can point to specific results you’ve delivered
- You know what the next role needs, and you’re already doing it
What your results mean
Your readiness score out of 100 puts you in one of four bands:
Ready, ask now (80 to 100)
You have the evidence, visibility and timing on your side. Book the conversation within two weeks.
Almost ready, prepare your case (60 to 79)
You are close but need to tighten your case. Spend two to four weeks writing down wins and getting your work seen.
Build your foundation first (40 to 59)
Asking now would likely get a “not yet”. Close the gaps over the next three to six months.
Wait, and focus on growth (0 to 39)
The timing or your time in role is not right yet. Use the time to build a case that is hard to turn down.
Frequently asked questions
How long should I wait before asking for a promotion?
There is no universal timeline, but many companies expect 12 to 18 months in a role first. Evidence matters more than time: are you consistently working above your current level? If yes, and you have written it down, tenure matters less.
What if my manager says “not yet”?
A “not yet” is feedback, not a rejection. Ask: “What would I need to show to be ready?” Get concrete criteria, write them down, and book a follow-up in three to six months. It shows initiative and keeps you on their radar.
Should I ask during a performance review or separately?
Both can work, but a separate conversation often lands better. Reviews look back; a promotion conversation looks forward. Ask for a 1:1 about your career growth so it is clear you are serious.
What if there’s no open role at the next level?
This is common. Have the conversation anyway to plant the seed and learn what is needed. Strong performers sometimes get roles created for them. You can also ask about sideways moves that build your skills or visibility while you wait.
Related quizzes and guides
- Am I ready to be a supervisor? (free assessment)
- Modern Leadership Style Quiz
- Am I a Micromanager? Quiz
- How to improve your leadership skills
- Clarity over charisma: lead with direction
This quiz is for self-reflection. It helps you plan a conversation; it cannot predict what your employer will decide.
