There is nothing more upsetting then knowing that you’re talented, smart, and overly qualified for a promotion and not landing it. I get it, it’s one of those scenarios in life that make you question your reality. You begin to ask yourself, “is it me?” “did I do something wrong?” and of the course the biggest question, “why them?!” If you’ve landed here, I’m guessing you were recently passed over for promotion by less qualified.
Right now, you’re probably either fuming, confused, or feeling defeated. I know in this moment, there’s no magic string of words I can say to make it better, but as an ex-manager and Leadership Coach, I can bring you behind the scenes on what some of the reasons MAY be and what steps you can take to make sure you get a different outcome.
Being passed over for promotion by less qualified can be a sobering, insightful, and healing experience. Take time to feel your feelings… whatever you feel, it’s ok. I’m here to tell you and assure you that you will get through this and you will land the next promotion with careful planning, intentionality, and self-work. You got this!
First let’s go ahead and dive into the possible reasons you were passed over for promotion by less qualified, then we’ll discuss what you should do moving forward.
13 Reasons you were passed over for a promotion
Reason #1- Your colleague was ACTUALLY more qualified
Sometimes you think you know someone and later discover that you have no clue about who they really are, what they do, or what they have. This often happens at work. Your colleagues aren’t always forthcoming with how many degrees, certifications, or specialized skills they have and to be transparent, they have the right to keep this information to themselves. Bottom line, never assume that they are a less qualified person if you’re not on the hiring panel or know them personally.
Reason #2- Someone else was promised the role
This is a bummer and often feels unfair, but it’s more common than you think. Oftentimes, leaders bring their friends or trusted colleagues into the company with a promised promotion. I remember starting a role back in the day with hopes of moving up quickly. I shared that desire with my supervisor who told me, “oh, “Sally” will get that role when “Lynn” retires. After doing some digging, I learned that Sally only came to the company because she was promised a promotion. This is only one example, but I’ve seen it happen very often.
Reason #3- You don’t have the right alliances and relationships
Ever heard the phrase, “your network is your net worth?” It’s absolutely true. If you don’t have the right relationships and alliances at work, your career will suffer. This is because aligning yourself with the right people can open doors for you because they can bring your name up in rooms you’re not in. Colleagues with influence can also vouch for you when opportunities arise. It’s great to be friends with colleagues on your level, but broaden that and connect with people at higher levels as well.
Reason #4- You weren’t clear on the qualifications
Did you truly meet the majority of the qualifications or were you lacking in some areas? One that I often see, is professionals being 100% on the technical skills, but lacking the people management, organization, or communication skills needed to be successful in the role. This is where having a positive relationship with your boss or hiring manager comes in handy. Before applying (if you can) sit down with them and ask if they have any concerns or suggestions for you. Don’t be afraid to straight up ask if they think you’re qualified for the role. This is also a time not to take things personally or become defensive. Take in what they say and make an honest assessment from there.
Reason #5- You’re not visible enough
How often do your colleagues, supervisor, and other leaders see your skills in action? If you’re not actively showcasing your accomplishments and contributions, it’s easy for decision-makers to overlook you when considering candidates for promotion. Visibility matters, so make sure your hard work is showcased regularly so that you are always top of mind.
Reason #6- You neglected networking
Building strong professional relationships within and outside your organization is crucial for career advancement. Networking helps you gain exposure, learn about opportunities, and garner support from influential colleagues and mentors. If you’re not active in at least one professional organization outside of your workplace, you are doing yourself a disservice. Even joining a committee allows you to network and meet new people. Think about it this way… the more people you know, the more opportunities you’ll always have!
Reason #7- You haven’t developed new skills
Did you get too comfortable? If so, here’s your reminder to NEVER get comfortable no matter how incredibly talented you are. The world is constantly changing at a very rapid pace. This means, staying stagnant in your skill set can hinder your chances of advancement. That means if there’s an opportunity to go to a training, webinar, or conference, do it!
Reason #8- You got too comfortable
Yes, this needed its own bullet point even though I listed it earlier. When you’re in your current position for awhile, comfort kicks in, it’s easy to go on autopilot and do what’s needed to get by. Going the extra mile, taking on new responsibilities, or trying new things will help improve your skills and put you on managements radar.
Reason #9- You lack leadership qualities
Positions of leadership often require more than just technical skills. Employers look for individuals who demonstrate leadership qualities such as initiative, decision-making ability, communication skills, and the capacity to inspire and motivate others. Have you placed a focus on developing those? If not, you should consider it.
Reason #10- You’re not the best at self-advocacy
Growing up I was always told that no one could read my mind and I needed to ask for what I wanted. Now as a Career and Leadership Coach, I teach my clients the importance of self-advocacy. Advocating for yourself is crucial in the promotion process. If you fail to articulate your achievements, skills, and aspirations effectively, decision-makers may not fully understand your value to the organization.
Reason #11- You might not fit into the company culture
Be honest, have you been a champion for your organization? Do you believe in your work? Organizations often prioritize candidates who align with their values, mission, and culture. If you’re perceived as not fitting in culturally, it could impact your chances of promotion, regardless of your qualifications.
Reason #12- You don’t have enough exposure to decision-makers
In your current role, how often do you interact with executive leadership? If decision-makers are unfamiliar with your work or contributions, they may overlook you when considering candidates for promotion. Seek opportunities to interact with and make a positive impression on those in positions of influence.
Reason #13- You’re not clear on what you want
Do you know what you want your career path to look like? If you don’t know what you want, others won’t either. If you applied for the role just because it felt like the logical thing to do, you might want to take some time to think about your career goals and what you truly want to do for the next 5 or 10 years. Without a clear career plan and goals, you may find yourself drifting aimlessly in your career. Take the time to set specific career objectives, identify the steps needed to achieve them, and clearly communicate your aspirations to your supervisors.
I’ve created a journal that will help you develop, break down, and map out your career and personal goals.
I’ve coached hundreds of professionals who have incorporated this journal into their goal development process and have seen the power of writing down their actions, plans, and goals in one place.
This is one of the best investments you can make in your career.
Of course, there may be reasons outside of the ones listed here, but I wanted to give you the most common reasons I’ve seen so that you have an opportunity to self-reflect and make improvements (and a plan) for next time. In the meantime, there are also a few things you should do after you get passed over for a promotion.
What to do after getting passed over for promotion by less qualified
Typically when professionals come to me because they got passed over for a promotion by a colleague who was less qualified, they are extremely upset and disappointed. I’m going to tell you the same thing that I tell them, sit down, close your eyes, and take three deep breaths. While you can’t change the outcome, you can start taking steps to begin building a better outcome for next time. Below is your roadmap on how to handle getting passed over for a promotion.
Give yourself time to unwind and decompress
This is the first step. Sit in your feelings and don’t dismiss them. Give yourself time to be upset, sad, disappointed, or frustrated. If you skip past this step and pretend you are fine, you may accidentally end up lashing out or projecting onto someone else. You also want to make sure you’re calm before having conversations with your boss or other superiors.
Talk it out
Sit down with a friend or family member who you trust and is known for providing a listening and nonjudgemental ear. The best person to sit down with is someone who is objective and honest so that they can give you real feedback on what you could have done differently. Often times those closest to us can see a situation more clearly then we can.
Begin to assess the Situation Objectively
Take a step back and assess why you were passed over for a promotion. Was it a lack of certain skills or experiences? Being honest and self-reflective can help you make improvements for the future.
Discuss it with your supervisor and ask for feedback
Your supervisor knows they will have to discuss the outcome with you so go ahead and initiate the conversation. Ask for transparency regarding your qualifications, interview and past performance. Ask them for suggestions and how you can gain their support to secure the next promotion opportunity.
Start focusing on professional development opportunities
Use this setback as motivation to enhance your skills and broaden your experiences. Consider pursuing additional training, and certifications, or taking on new projects that showcase your capabilities.
Start building relationships
It’s a good idea to start building strong relationships with mentors, senior leaders, and influential colleagues can significantly impact your career trajectory in and outside of the company. Seek guidance and support from those who have your best interests at heart.
Remain positive and build your level of resilience
No one likes a sore loser, even as an adult. Continue to carry yourself with grace, maintain a positive attitude, and practice resilience in the face of adversity. Remember that setbacks are temporary, and your perseverance will ultimately pay off. Plus, everything happens for a reason. Your next opportunity will be right around the corner.
Set Clear Goals
Gain clarity on what you truly want and write down what you want to achieve. Once you write them down, you can establish actionable steps to reach those goals and unlock new opportunities. Having a clear roadmap will help you stay focused and motivated. Again, I’ve already created a journal to help you do that. Click here to download your copy.
Advocate for Yourself
Speak up and let your supervisor and other leaders know what you want. Don’t be afraid to vocalize your career aspirations and accomplishments. Make sure your contributions are visible to decision-makers and actively seek out opportunities for advancement.
Expand Your Network
Network both within and outside your organization to broaden your opportunities. Make an effort to attend industry events, join professional associations, and connect with like-minded individuals who can support your career journey and keep an eye out for other opportunities.
Be Patient but Persistent
Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is a successful career. Keep the big picture in the front of your mind. Stay patient and persistent in pursuing your goals, even in the face of obstacles or setbacks.
Sit down with a Career Counselor
Of course, I’m biased, but I do believe in the power of sitting down with a career, life, or executive coach to help uncover any insecurities or road blocks you may run into. Since you’re paying them, they will often give you a straight answer and quickly tell you the best way to find growth opportunities. They can also help you plan out your job search, overcome new challenges, and how to stand out in your current job. I always recommend a coach because they can help with establishing a realistic time frame and help you build next steps to land a new position.
Decide if you want to stay or go
Do you even want to stay at your organization? Do they value your work? Do they respect you? Do you see a future here? Ask yourself the tough questions to make the best decision possible for your future. Sometimes the best thing to do may be to find a new job.
To help you navigate these questions with a bit more ease, check out some of the articles I’ve written:
- 13 Signs you’re not appreciated or valued at work
- How to leave a job gracefully
- Stuck at a job you hate but it pays well?
- Best 15 questions to help you figure out what to do with your life
- What career is right for me (15 questions to ask)
- 50+ Best career tips and advice for a successful career
I hope that these additional resources will empower, motivate, and encourage you as you navigate your career journey. Before we wrap up our time together, I’m going to answer a few common questions about getting passed over for promotion by less qualified.
FAQs about Getting Passed Over for a Promotion
Why do less qualified people get promoted?
There are a variety of reasons why people who may be a less qualified candidate gets promoted over those who are “technically” more qualified. Here are my top 3 reasons on why less qualified people get promoted.
Perception vs. Reality
One common factor is the perception of qualifications. Sometimes, individuals might possess qualities or skills that aren’t immediately apparent on paper. They may be good leaders with a high level of emotional intelligence. They may also excel in networking, communication, or other soft skills that aren’t always quantifiable but are highly valued in leadership roles.
Office Politics
I mentioned this earlier, at the end of the day, office politics are real. In many workplaces, promotions aren’t solely based on merit. Office politics, personal relationships, and biases can play significant roles in decision-making processes. Unfortunately, this can lead to less deserving candidates securing promotions.
Timing and Opportunity
Sometimes, promotions are more about timing and seizing the right opportunities rather than pure qualifications. Perhaps the less qualified individual happened to be in the right place at the right time or had their achievements more visible to decision-makers. Your time will come, I know it will!
Should I take revenge?
While it’s natural to feel a desire for revenge or vindication, taking retaliatory actions is rarely productive or ethical. Plus, I believe that karma is real! Instead, focus your energy on activities that benefit your long-term career growth. Dwelling on past grievances or seeking retribution can damage your professional reputation and hinder your future opportunities.
Conclusion
We covered a lot here today, didn’t we?! Thank you for making it to the end. I hope that these explanations, reasons, and suggestions have helped ease your mind and provided you with a way forward. I understand that being passed over for a promotion by less qualified individuals can be a tough pill to swallow, but it’s not the end of your career journey. Use this experience as an opportunity for self-reflection, growth, and resilience. By focusing on self-reflection, personal development, cultivating relationships, and staying proactive in pursuing your goals, you can navigate setbacks and ultimately achieve success on your own terms. Remember, your worth and potential are not defined by a single promotion – it’s the journey and lessons learned along the way that truly shape your professional identity.
You’ve got this friend!
Cheers to your success!
