In a perfect world, asking for a promotion would not be necessary because your supervisors or employer would look forward to offering one as they understand that the happier an employee is, the better for the company. Unfortunately, in today’s world and many workplaces, if you do not summon the boldness to request a promotion, you may not get one regardless of how due - or overdue you are for one. Still, requesting a promotion is not exactly a walk in the park.

In fact, in today's unpredictable economic situation, asking for a promotion may mean experiencing a very stressful situation in your career because you could be putting yourself at risk. For one thing, you could be taking avoidable missteps and could come as an overly ambitious person that is focusing on the wrong things. Nonetheless, the one thing you want to avoid is the frustrating dynamic of feeling underappreciated and unrewarded at your workplace.

So how can one tell when it is time for a promotion? Keep reading as we have compiled a list of 5 signs to help you know when it is time for a promotion.

1. You are doing a good job in your current role

One of the most important indicators or perhaps the most important indicator that someone is ready for a promotion is their ability to do their current tasks exceptionally well. This individual would be a person that has achieved business results on par with, or better than, his or her co-workers. If this sounds like you, then it may be time you start to rethink your current job position and plan to move forward. Begin to take deliberate steps that would guarantee that your efforts are recognizable to your managers. You're not a top performer if you're not on the radar of organizational leaders.

2. You are always willing to go above and beyond

Although, this sounds like the pick-me tip of the century. It is important you make yourself indispensable by continually willingly doing things that will boost your rep with your employee. Individuals who are looked up to for promotion, according to experts, are those who are willing to help others achieve their goals. "For example, you may offer to train new hires, assist colleagues with questions, and jump in to assist the team with projects or initiatives." You can demonstrate your readiness for a promotion when you are consistently willing to do more than what is expected in your current role. If you've ever said, "that's not my job," chances are you're not on your company's list of high potentials!

Promotions represent an increase in workplace responsibilities for employees. As a result, you need to be able to show your employer examples of times when you took initiative and it paid off to benefit your department and the overall company.

3. You understand the "Big Picture"

Individual performers who are effective, complete their tasks, meet deadlines consistently, and work well with others are usually the best candidates for a promotion. As an employee who is ready for promotion, you must have a broad perspective – must understand what is important to the company as a whole and how you can currently, or potentially, contribute to the achievement of corporate goals and strategies.

Seeing the big picture is one of the key indicators that you are ready for a promotion. It requires moving beyond the tactical (apparently doing tasks assigned to you) to thinking strategically about what you can do to add more value – then doing it.

4. You possess foresight and a "can-do" attitude

There are some definite "tells" that send the signal to your employer that you are ready for a promotion. Many of these are related to your ability to project a positive, can-do attitude, take on new challenges, and maintain a positive attitude. Some of the characteristics and can-do traits you must possess are:

• Ability to do well in a changing work environment
• Actively demonstrate your desire to participate in your company's decision-making process.
• Always being on the lookout for new opportunities for personal growth
• Are you an active networker who attends social events with your business contacts? Are you willing to accept the stress that often comes with career advancement?
• Showing the eagerness to learn even the most difficult skills
• Share ideas with their supervisors with confidence, disagreeing assertively when necessary
• Continually striving to become more efficient regularly

6. You have a trustworthy sponsor

A sponsor is someone in your organization who has power and will support your case for promotion. This person could be a senior employee with whom you regularly collaborate or an executive with whom you admire and have formed a mentoring relationship. Sponsorships typically require a significant amount of time and effort to develop.

Once you've identified a potential sponsor, try to meet with them regularly to discuss your career goals and progress. Schedule a lunch or virtual coffee with them every few months and ask for feedback on your work as well as advice on how to achieve your goals.

Make sure that your sponsor is someone who will not only coach you informally but will also stand up for you behind closed doors, introduce you to other executives who will be instrumental to your growth, and shield you from negative publicity. Most importantly, ensure they can tell your boss that you are deserving of a promotion when the time comes.

If you are certain you possess the qualities listed above, then, we are the bearer of good news informing and encouraging you to request a promotion, you have earned it.

Just know that when you approach your boss to make your big ask, you may likely feel anxious which could make it difficult to recall all of your amazing accomplishments. It is why you must ensure that you document all of your big (and small) victories. You'll need to use these as evidence to back up your claim. And be careful to advocate and not self-promote while trying to make your employer see that you deserve the promotion.