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I didnt get a promotion in my previous jobs. How can I answer the question?

behavioral
New answer on Oct 22, 2021
5 Answers
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Anonymous A asked on Oct 08, 2021

I didnt get a promotion in my previous jobs as I was an average performer. During the interview, the interviewer ask if I have ever been promoted? (given that I stayed in each of the organization for ~1-1.5 years only)

How could I answer this? (I just yes no I didn't get a promotion as time hasn't reached)

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Pedro
Expert
updated an answer on Oct 08, 2021
30% off in April 2024 | Bain | EY-Parthenon | Roland Berger | Market Sizing | DARDEN MBA

The answer should be something around the lines of: 

  • You gained increased responsibility levels during your tenure (give examples). 
  • You didn't stay long enough to turn it into an official change in rank/role description.

Since you stayed less than two years this is perfectly reasonable.

(edited)

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Ian
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Oct 08, 2021
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi there,

I compeltely agree with Pedro.

You essentially want to imply/insinuate that you would have gotten a promotion or were due one, but left before there was an opportunity. Flag your increased responsibilities etc., but then just say you left as there were fascinating opportunities awaiting you that you could not refuse.

Now, note that you'll then have a new problem which is to assuage their fears that you're going to leave their firm quickly. You need to emphasize how you really think their firm is a great fit and you're excited to grow with them for many years.

Also, please stop leaving firms after just 1/1.5 years! If you keep doing this, you'll find it extremely difficult to get hired - it's a major red flag!

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Adi
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Oct 08, 2021
Accenture, Deloitte | Precision Case Prep | Experienced Interviewer & Career Coach | 15 years professional experience

Pedro is spot on & I agree with him.

In addition, when this question is asked there is no need to feel apologetic. If you are not on track for promotion that's okay. Nothing wrong with it. And if you perform really well in the interview process & show evidence of playing at the higher level, they will bring you in at that level.

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Antonello
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Oct 10, 2021
McKinsey | NASA | top 10 FT MBA professor for consulting interviews | 6+ years of coaching

Hi!

Are 1-1.5 years enough to get promoted in your current company? If not, you shouldn't be worried about this question.

Hope this helps.

Best,

Anto

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Agrim
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Oct 22, 2021
BCG Dubai Project Leader | Learn to think like a Consultant | Free personalised prep plan | 6+ years in Consulting
  • Promotion is not something you were aiming for. Your priority was variety in experience. You wanted to ensure that you eventually settle down in a role that is best suited to you and hence you were trying different things at hand
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