The Key to Getting Promoted in Tech: Insights from an Ex-Amazon Engineer
Did you know that advancing your career in tech often hinges more on your mindset than your technical prowess? It’s a revelation that can change your approach to promotions forever!
Why Technical Skills Might Not Be Enough
When it comes to climbing the corporate ladder in tech, many believe that technical skills reign supreme. After working closely with nearly 500 tech professionals over the past year, I can tell you that this assumption is a massive oversimplification. Instead, there’s one critical trait that consistently separates those who ascend rapidly from those who stall.
It’s not about being the brightest coder or the best communicator; it’s about taking control of your career rather than passively waiting for opportunities to land in your lap. Most people approach promotions like passengers in a rideshare, hoping their driver will eventually take them to their destination. But what if you could get into the driver’s seat?
Make Your Intentions Crystal Clear
Taking the initiative is essential if you want to get promoted. I learned this the hard way during my years at Amazon. As a senior engineer eager for the next step, I delivered high-impact projects, and my manager frequently praised my work—but he never submitted my promotion request. Week after week, I asked for updates; the deadline passed with no action taken. It dawned on me that my aspirations simply weren’t urgent to him—they were just another item on his overflowing to-do list.
When you sit down with your manager for a one-on-one, be explicit:
“I want to get promoted, and I’d like to understand what steps I need to take to make that happen.”
This proactive request usually leads to one of three outcomes:
- Your manager actively supports your ambition.
- They provide constructive feedback and clear guidance.
- They resist or deflect the conversation.
If it’s the first two, you’re on the right path. If they push back, you may need to reassess your situation and consider finding a more supportive manager.
The Importance of a Supportive Manager
Your manager plays a pivotal role in your career growth. Rapport and coffee chats can help, but friendship alone won’t secure your promotion. If your manager isn’t invested in your development, your achievements might go unnoticed. When a leader refuses to champion your growth, it’s a sign to either repair the relationship or seek a new advocate.
Expand Your Scope of Work
To climb the ranks, you must demonstrate readiness for greater responsibility. Early in my career at Amazon, I worked with a brilliant coder, Ben, who had been stuck at senior engineer for six long years. Despite his technical excellence, his upward momentum stalled because he wasn’t showcasing broader leadership.
After inviting him to observe system design discussions with principal engineers, he realized that promotions hinge on scope, not just coding prowess. He needed to influence architectural decisions, lead cross-functional initiatives, and drive business impact beyond isolated technical problems.
Here’s How to Navigate Your Career Growth:
- Identify the Next-Level Criteria: Most companies publish clear guidelines for each promotion step. Review these with your manager to pinpoint your strengths and gaps.
- Focus on Filling Gaps: Resist the temptation to double down on familiar tasks. Target the areas you’re missing—those are the ones that will hold you back at the next level.
- Don’t Wait for the Perfect Moment: Just as surge pricing makes you wait longer for a ride, postponing your promotion only increases the cost. Act before your achievements fade from view.
Start Your Promotion Journey Today
When opportunities arise, don’t hold back. Think of your career like arriving late to a concert while waiting for ticket prices to drop—you risk missing the show entirely. In tech, many engineers delay promotion talks out of fear or discomfort, accepting advice like “just focus on your craft.” That mindset defers your growth.
Instead, take charge: initiate targeted conversations about your career trajectory, even if it feels awkward. No one advances without clear advocacy and intentional dialogue.
Pro Tip: Use the Right Language
If you struggle to mention “promotion,” frame the discussion around career growth:
“Can we review how I’m performing against the expectations for the next level?”
Bring a simple chart listing current versus next-level criteria. This structured approach keeps the conversation on track and positions you as proactive about your development.
Conclusion
What steps will you take this week to clarify your promotion goals with your manager? Share your journey and any insights in the comments below!
- Proactively schedule a one-on-one with your manager to map out the exact steps you need for your next promotion within the next 30 days.
If you found this post insightful and are determined to climb the ladder, check out my promotion video course for strategies that can save you years of career stagnation, join our vibrant Discord server to connect with peers, and subscribe to my weekly newsletter for ongoing tips and resources!