How to Land Your First Promotion: Proven Tips from a Fashion Industry Insider

When I was a young apparel technical designer, I thought the key to getting your first promotion was speed. I walked fast, talked fast, and worked even faster. I believed productivity meant progress and that output volume would move me up.

But looking back now, I realize: promotions aren’t earned through pace. They’re earned through career advancement strategies rooted in humility, curiosity, and emotional intelligence.

What Actually  Got Me Promoted:

1. I Knew I Didn’t Know Everything

Early on, I wasn’t leading fittings or writing garment comments—I was taking notes. And I took that job seriously. I asked questions, stayed observant, and showed respect to the experts around me. That desire to learn made me promotion-ready long before I realized it.

2. I Knew When to Speak and When Not To

Sure, I made mistakes (we all do), but I listened and learned. When I overstepped in meetings, my manager guided me. I didn’t argue, instead I reflected. This self-awareness helped me grow faster than being “the loudest in the room” ever could.

3. I Showed Gratitude

Please and thank you go a long way. I genuinely appreciated my mentors and colleagues and I let them know! That kind of kindness builds trust and makes people want to help you succeed

What Didn’t  Get Me Promoted Later On

As I grew more confident in my career, I hit a wall. Here’s why:

1. I Thought I Knew More Than I Did

At one job, I started offering “fixes” on Day One without even knowing everyone’s names. Oof. A seasoned leader pulled me aside and said: “Learn first. Then lead.” That advice changed how I approach every new role.

2. I Confused Fast with Good

I was still crushing deadlines, but not leveling up. Why? Because quality trumps quantity. Leaders want people who slow down and create thoughtful, strategic results. Sloppy speed helps no one.

3. I Let My Manners Slip

Somewhere along the line, I forgot the importance of humility. I even got called tactless once… rightfully so. That moment stung, but it was the wake-up call I needed. Promotion-worthy professionals lead with respect and gratitude, no matter how advanced they get.

A Real Example: Why She Didn’t Get Promoted

A young woman I know was given a small leadership task. Instead of collaborating, she ran with the whole project solo—meeting with execs, assigning tasks to peers without asking, and excluding her team from decisions. Her intentions may have been good, but her execution cost her the promotion.

Lesson: Promotions require team trust. You don’t move forward by leaving others behind.

The Real Secret to Getting Promoted

Here’s my best first promotion advice in four simple rules:

• Be Kind. Be someone others want on their team.

• Be Humble. Ask questions. Admit what you don’t know.

• Be Polite. Show gratitude daily.

• Slow Down. Focus on better work, not just more work.

People often say you need to be performing at the next level before you're promoted. That’s true—but it’s not about acting like a manager. It’s about working with thoughtfulness, integrity, and respect.

That’s how you actually get promoted.