Here's how you can advance your career without job-hopping
After securing a job that you like, your next goal is to advance your career. Some people say that hopping from one job to another is the best way to move up the career ladder, but others believe you don't need to undergo frequent changes in order to achieve that.
Justine L.T. Chua, a career coach who founded The Bumpy Career, acknowledged that job-hopping is commonly seen as the fastest path to a higher salary or title, and a way to avoid office politics. But she noted that there's a different approach to career growth: teaching professionals to treat themselves as brands with a “crystal-clear value proposition,” which includes knowing how to communicate why they deserve to be promoted.
Jonane Quiambao, an HR business partner and content creator behind HR Rant with Nae on TikTok, told PhilSTAR L!fe that there are employees who prefer to grow professionally within their current companies. “Not everyone wants to keep job-hopping just to get a better title or paycheck. Some people just want to grow where they’re planted and not burn out while doing it.”
“You’re allowed to outgrow roles without outgrowing the company. Just learn how to pivot internally,” she noted.
If you’re looking for ways to jumpstart your career advancement without going through the risk and uncertainty of taking on multiple roles over a short amount of time, here are some tips from HR experts that can help you stand out within your current company.
Build a strong internal network
Chua and Quiambao highlighted the importance of connecting not just with your team or your boss, but also with people from across departments and levels.
“Other people need to know you and know you’re good if you're going to rise. Think like a product marketer: Who are your internal stakeholders, what do they care about, and how can you make their work easier or more effective?” Chua told L!fe.
Quiambao seconded this, adding, “Stop treating networking like a scary elevator pitch. Just talk to people—ask about their projects, compliment that one teammate who crushed the deck, and hype others up in meetings.”
“A solid internal network means when you need something done, you don’t email—you chat,” she added.
Focus on your relevant skills, experiences, and wins
Both HR experts emphasized that one way to get noticed is by showcasing your skills, experiences, and accomplishments that matter.
Chua advised focusing on doing things that could leave a good impact on your company.
“Ask yourself: Does this work drive revenue, reduce cost, improve efficiency, or retain customers or talent? If yes, track the impact and share it. If not, consider shifting to a part of the business where your work can matter more,” she said.
Quiambao, meanwhile, suggested documenting your wins.
"Be the person who doesn’t just do their job but understands the business. Learn how your role impacts the bigger picture. That’s what gets you noticed."
“No one’s gonna remember that time you saved a project unless you remind them (nicely!). Keep receipts. Screenshots. Praise messages. Wins folder. All of it,” she said.
Increase visibility
To make yourself seen, the experts suggested being proactive—from sharing your insights on particular topics to taking part in big projects.
“Speak up even if your voice shakes. Volunteer to present. Drop insights in the chat. If you helped with a project, say it. ‘Happy to support on this, especially the backend reports I compiled last week.’ That’s visibility without being annoying,” Quiambao said.
Chua also stressed that visibility “isn’t about being loud. It’s about being strategic.” She continued, “Make it easy for others to see your value without having to dig.”
Ask for feedback
One way to track your progress is to seek feedback. According to Chua, you don’t have to wait for the annual review to know where you stand from the perspectives of your bosses and your peers.
“Ask for feedback after big deliverables, presentations, or projects, especially if you’re aiming for a promotion or raise. You're iterating your career, so you need regular data points to work with,” she said.
Per Quiambao, you may seek feedback “as often as you can emotionally handle it.” She added, “Just casually ask, 'Hey, is there anything I could do better or differently?’ It shows you’re proactive, not needy.”
She suggested build your career like how you post on social media: “authentic, valuable, and consistent.”
Chua, however, emphasized that career growth isn’t about waiting to be picked.
"It’s about positioning your brand to be the obvious pick," she noted, “not because you're the loudest or the flashiest, but because you're backed by impact, clarity, and consistency.”
