Move Up Without Moving Out: Strategic Steps for Internal Promotions

It was the best office holiday party of all time… until James realized he was the only one who didn’t know about the new leadership changes coming in Q1. The entire sales department had been quietly networking for months, lining up for promotions and lateral moves while he was obliviously working away at his desk.

That was the moment James decided: No more playing catch-up. If opportunities were moving internally, he was going to be ahead of the game next time.

The Hidden Job Market — Inside Your Own Company

We often think of networking as something you do when job hunting externally, but internal networking might be even more powerful.

Why? Because most internal job openings are filled before they’re even posted. Your company is like a chessboard — if you’re not thinking strategically about your next move, someone else is already planning theirs.

So, how do you make internal mobility work for you?

1. Play the Long Game

The best time to start networking internally isn’t when you want a new role — it’s months (or even years) before. Internal mobility favors those who have built trust and visibility over time.

• Get on people’s radar. Start with your…