What to Do If You Don’t Get That Promotion or Salary Increase

So, the annual review has come and gone, and the promotion or raise you were hoping for isn’t happening. It can feel disappointing—especially if you put in a lot of hard work. But while it’s easy to feel frustrated, there are plenty of ways to handle this situation in a constructive and strategic manner. Here’s a look at some options to consider when the raise or promotion didn’t materialise as expected.

Reflect on the Feedback

Your first step should be to reflect on the feedback you received during the review. Was there constructive criticism or specific areas of improvement mentioned? It’s important to remain open to this feedback—often it can provide valuable insight into what might be holding you back from that next level.

Make sure you have clarity about the reasons behind the decision. If this wasn’t clear during the review, consider requesting a follow-up meeting to better understand the specifics. Was it a performance issue? Budgetary constraints? Or were there factors outside your control, like the company not expanding that particular department?

Ask for a Roadmap to Success

If your review pointed out areas where you need improvement, ask your manager for a clear, actionable plan to work toward the promotion or raise. Be proactive in setting specific goals, milestones, and timelines to address any gaps.

This shows your manager that you're serious about growth, and it gives you something tangible to work toward. You could even suggest checking in on progress quarterly rather than waiting for the next annual review.

Consider Non-Monetary Benefits

Maybe the raise wasn’t in the cards this time, but there could be other forms of compensation that you can negotiate. For example:

Additional vacation days: More time off can be a valuable benefit if a higher salary isn’t possible.

Flexible work arrangements: If you can’t get a pay bump, working from home a few days a week or adjusting your hours to better suit your lifestyle could be a nice perk.

Training and development opportunities: You could ask for additional professional development or training that will help you get that promotion next time around. Not only do you gain new skills, but it also shows that you’re invested in your own growth.

Look for Internal Growth Opportunities

Even if you didn’t get the promotion or raise in your current role, there may be other opportunities within the company. You could explore other departments or roles that align with your skillset and aspirations. Sometimes, a lateral move could open doors to future promotions or increases in salary.

Discuss with your manager whether there are other areas within the company where you could contribute more or take on additional responsibilities, which might lead to different opportunities for advancement.

Strengthen Your Case for Next Time

Use this as an opportunity to strengthen your position for the next review cycle. Document your accomplishments, track your progress toward the goals that were set, and continue to build relationships with key stakeholders in the company. You want to be able to show, with concrete evidence, why you’re deserving of a raise or promotion next time.

Consider Moving On

While loyalty to your current employer is admirable, sometimes the best option is to look elsewhere if your current workplace isn’t providing the opportunities or compensation you deserve. Just be careful to not become a job hopper, if you are moving jobs every year, maybe a lack of tenure is what’s causing the lack of promotion? 

This isn’t a decision to rush into, of course. However, if you’ve consistently been overlooked despite solid performance, it could be a sign that it’s time for a fresh start.

Stay Positive and Keep Learning

Finally, it’s important to maintain a positive mindset. A setback doesn’t define your career, and there’s always room to grow and learn. Use the experience as motivation to sharpen your skills, develop professionally, and make yourself an even more valuable asset to the company—or to a new employer.

Not getting the promotion or raise you were hoping for can sting, but it’s not the end of the road. By taking a step back, reflecting on the feedback, and being proactive, you can position yourself for success in the future. Keep your head up, keep learning, and remember that one review doesn’t define your worth.