Want a better job and a pay rise? Eleven ways to progress at work and avoid a dry promotion'

"One of the major secrets to getting any sort of promotion is that you must sow the seeds early on and build up to the point where the promotion feels like the natural next step. First, you have to nail the current job. Make sure you meet your deadlines, hit all your targets and fall firmly into the delivering' category."

"You need to become the leader before you get the promotion. A promotion is the reward and recognition of the work that you've been doing. Your boss is your best advocate and supporter when it comes to progressing at work. Help them out where you can and volunteer to do more."

"Keep them well informed, even if it is bad news, and always be open about your career goals, rather than going for internal jobs in secret. Good managers will probably hold regular career conversations, at which point there is a natural time to bring up what you want and where you see yourself in the future."

Securing promotions and pay rises without self-promotion involves several strategic approaches. First, excel at your current role by meeting deadlines, hitting targets, and demonstrating leadership qualities before receiving promotion. Build this foundation early so advancement feels natural. Second, cultivate a strong relationship with your boss by keeping them informed, volunteering for additional work, and openly discussing career goals during regular one-to-ones. Your manager serves as your primary advocate. Third, increase your visibility within the organization through strategic contributions and presence. Avoid surprising your boss with secret job applications. Instead, maintain transparency about aspirations and ask about available opportunities. This approach positions you as a reliable, ambitious professional deserving of advancement.

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