5 Ways to Find a New Job After Getting a Promotion

More often than you’d think, workers quit soon after being promoted. A recent ADP study found that since the pandemic, 29% of employees have done so. Experts say, in fact, that a promotion can increase an employee’s marketability.

But a promotion can leave a newly promoted employee in a quandary. Do they stay with the organization that just rewarded them, or look for a new, potentially better role at a new place? Leaving a company after a promotion might be emotionally difficult, and experts say that employees should follow their own best instincts. “With self-awareness, we can decide whether to embrace the new role and allow ourselves to learn and grow within it, or to seek employment with a new organization,” says Val Olson, a career coach at Korn Ferry Advance.

For employees who’ve set their sights on greener pastures, experts say there are key next steps to take.

Leverage your new position.

The opportunity to add a fresh new achievement to your résumé doesn’t come around every day. Experts recommend calling attention on your CV to recent promotions, as they speak to credibility and personal skills.

Don’t shy away from discussing the new promotion with other potential employers, either. Talking about it shows a degree of confidence that many job recruiters appreciate. Indeed, one study shows that 39% of candidates leave a bad impression on the interviewer due to their lack of confidence.

Update LinkedIn or online professional presences.

Make sure your LinkedIn profile reflects your new title, responsibilities, and skills. This is essential, experts say, for your increased visibility as a job candidate. “Make any other changes you need to update your marketing tools,” adds Olson. Besides adding the new title, highlight what you did that helped you get the promotion. Even if there’s not a single specific achievement—maybe you got a new title only because you were next in line after your boss left—it’s still a good idea to list your tangible accomplishments in your prior role. If you have your own website, add your new information there as well. 

Tell people in your network.

It’s not what you know, it’s who you know. According to one survey, 85% of jobs are filled by recruits who networked. A new promotion is a great excuse to reach out to people in your professional network and beyond. “Network to renew previous connections and to make new ones,” adds Olson.

When you connect, talk not only about how much you appreciate getting your new title, but also about how you’re looking for new opportunities.

Contact recruiters.

Recruiters have specialized industry knowledge and close connections with hiring managers, which can streamline the hiring process. Experts say it’s important to have hiring professionals in your tool kit when entering the job market.

Treat these talent managers as you would a new network connection. Introduce yourself, tell them about the promotion, and explain that you are looking to pursue other opportunities. Then try to schedule a follow-up conversation. Experts say it’s important to explain why you’re looking for a new organization in the wake of your promotion. “It is positive for us to see an upward trajectory, but if they are looking right after the promotion there should be a good story,” adds Radhika Papandreou, managing partner in Korn Ferry’s Travel, Hospitality and Leisure practice.

Create a personal brand.

Use the promotion to help shape your personal brand. Your promotion, experts say, is a great opportunity to showcase your expertise. A strong personal brand demonstrates professionalism and can differentiate you from other candidates. Reach out to professional organizations, and make yourself available for speaking engagements, opinion pieces, mentoring opportunities, or panels. 

For more expert career advice, connect with a career coach at Korn Ferry Advance.

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