Didn't Get the Promotion? Here's Why...

Yes, I know it's frustrating. Yes, I know you are angry because no one seems to tell you the real reasons why you continue to be passed up for promotions. What's worse, is having to train your new boss, and it's no doubt in your mind that you know more than that person. You also may be tempted to believe that you are the best thing that ever happened to that company, and you have done nothing wrong to deserve that kind of treatment. If you are looking for the answers, and if you can handle the truth, I am about to reveal the real reasons they didn't want to promote you.

It's not a bad idea to take a serious look at yourself, and your work performance before your career comes to a standstill. You have to look at your reflection and give a truthful assessment of what you see, in order to figure out how others may be perceiving you in the workplace. This little exercise can help you pinpoint what may be keeping you from moving to the next level. Once this is accomplished, you need to make a decision about the changes you need to make in order to move your career forward.

It would be impossible for me, or anyone to tell you exactly why you were passed up for a promotion, or why you did not get hired; however, I think the majority of the reasons listed below (based on my 20+ years of experience dealing with hiring authorities) are on target. There are many reasons you may not be advancing in your career. Some things you may be capable of changing, and some things may be out of your control.

Following are the most common road blocks to career advancements. Read them, and discuss them with a trusted friend, or perhaps a co-worker, and get some advice on the areas you need to improve. Keep in mind, you are the only person who can make the decision to improve your work performance; therefore, becoming argumentative or defensive when someone is trying to help you will only make matters worse.

Read and discuss the Top 25 Reasons Why You Did Not Get Promoted:

1. You are not as wonderful as you believe. You lack experience, talent, or diversity.

2. You have a bad attitude and everyone knows it.

3. You made the mistake by telling others you were unhappy and searching for employment. Big mistake!

4. You spread rumors by gossiping / talking too much.

5. You lack the education (e.g., degree, poor verbal/written communications).

6. You are not one of them. Racism.

7. You are a male/female (Gender differences).

8. You have a family (or plan on starting one) and they are afraid of your future commitment.

9. You either won't or can't assist with helping on other shifts, or putting in the extra hours.

10. You don't have a relationship with your peers or decision makers.

11. You are not trusted. They don't trust your intentions.

12. You intimidate others, especially your supervisor/manager.

13. You are overqualified and they know you won't be happy with that position.

14. You lack the image they are seeking (body size, ethnicity, etc.)

15. You won't or can't be mobile if needed (relocation).

16. You are a victim of nepotism, or favoritism shown to friends, etc.

17. You lack the social status they desire.

18. You have shown unsatisfactory work performance.

19. You have bad management/supervisory skill sets.

20. You are not in their age range (Age discrimination).

21. You tried too hard (e.g., heavy make up, too aggressive, dressed inappropriately, seemed desperate, etc.)

22. You are arrogant, and very difficult to mentor.

23. You did nothing wrong.The company is not performing well, and will be laying off or closing your division.

24. They want to terminate your employment, and have no plans on promoting you!

25. The job was already taken before you had a chance. You didn't network with them.

It's very important for you to take a step back and be willing to evaluate yourself in terms of your job performance, project management skills, etc., and decide to work on the areas you can improve. You never want to be passed up for a job opportunity because you were too arrogant to improve in some areas.

Do not be discouraged, nor give up. Sometimes you can do just about everything right and still be "held back" for reasons out of your control (e.g, gender, age). Make a decision to improve in the areas you can improve, and if that's still not good enough, maybe it is time for you to start your job search, and/or perhaps start your own business if possible.