How to Get Promoted Internally in Customer Success (When a Role Opens on Your Team)

CLICK PLAY TO LEARN HOW TO GET PROMOTED INTERNALLY IN CUSTOMER SUCCESS WHEN YOUR TEAM IS HIRING (AND MAKE YOURSELF THE OBVIOUS PICK):

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Here’s what you can expect from this episode:

Bold move, but here it is… being a top performer isn’t enough to land you that internal promotion you're eyeing. And if you think your KPIs will carry you to the next level, think again. 

I get messages every single week from CSMs saying, “Carly, there’s an opening on my team… should I even bother applying?” And I get it. It feels awkward. If leadership wanted you in that role, wouldn’t they just offer it to you? Not exactly. If you want to get promoted internally in customer success, you cannot sit back and hope someone connects the dots for you.

In this episode, I break down exactly what to do the second a role opens up (including the simple script you can use with your manager) and why timing matters more than you think. But we also zoom out to the bigger truth–when a role gets posted, leadership usually already has someone in mind. The question is… are you that person? If your entire strategy is “I hit my KPIs,” we need to talk. Performance keeps you employed. Impact gets you promoted.

I walk you through the real difference between performance and impact, and how to make yourself difficult to replace by creating internal and external influence. Whether that’s improving processes, driving revenue conversations, or making your manager’s life easier. These are the moves that position you as the obvious choice long before the job description is written.

If you truly want to get promoted internally in customer success, you need to stop waiting for permission and start building your case now. Because when the next opportunity opens up, you shouldn’t be scrambling to prove yourself—you should already be the clear frontrunner.

And if you’re ready to make your next move, apply for one-on-one coaching HERE and let’s get your resume, interviews, and promotion strategy locked in.

Topics covered on how to get promoted internally in customer success when your team is hiring (and make yourself the obvious pick):

• Why waiting for your manager to notice your ambition is a career blocker and what to say instead to get considered for that internal promotion 
• The biggest myth about performance and promotions (spoiler: hitting your KPIs isn’t enough)
• How to make yourself “the obvious choice” for any internal role months before a job even opens up
• Simple, real-life examples of internal impact you can start implementing this week (even if you don’t think you’re doing anything “special”)
• Why sharing what works for you with your team (instead of keeping it to yourself) is the fastest shortcut to visibility 
• How to show internal and external impact so leadership sees you as irreplaceable and ready for the next level 
• The crucial difference between performance and impact and why promotions go to the people who move the business forward 
• The one action step you can take this week to boost your promotion odds on any team

Resources Mentioned:

• Ready to make your next move? Apply for one-on-one coaching HERE and let’s get your resume, interviews, and promotion strategy locked in.

When you’re ready, here’s how I can help you land a job in Customer Success despite all the competition:

• 1:1 Career Coaching Program – Get personalized support to land your first Customer Success role or finally step into your dream CS job.
• Free Training: Optimize Your Resume for Customer Success Jobs – Transform your resume so it gets noticed and starts bringing in consistent interviews.
• Free Training: Sell Yourself in Interviews – Learn exactly how to position yourself as the top candidate and walk into every CS interview with confidence.
• Free Training: Master Behavioral Interviews – Discover a proven method to answer every “tell me about a time” question and impress any interviewer.

Connect with Carly:

• Connect with me on LinkedIn 
• Email me at [email protected] 

Want more on this topic? Here’s your next listen:

• Episode 57: How to Stop Sabotaging Your CS Career (And Start Getting Promoted)
• Episode 53: 9 Easy ways to make a bigger impact in your customer success job
• Episode 39: From Invisible to Indispensable: A CSM's Guide to Impressing Leadership
• Episode 28: Expedite your path to promotion by building this habit
• Episode 4: How to get promoted (Spoiler: it’s got nothing to do with your performance)

More about Customer Success Career Coach:

Customer Success Career Coach is the must-listen podcast for current and aspiring Customer Success pros. Join Carly and her guests as they spill the secret strategies and tips for building your Customer Success career. This isn't your typical snooze-fest – they’re diving deep into the world of Customer Success careers. Whether you're starting from scratch (hey career transitioners!) or eyeing that next big promotion, they’ve got the playbook for you. Every Wednesday, join Carly and her amazing guests as they dish out practical advice and real-life steps you can actually use. No fluff, just stuff you can apply ASAP to score that dream job, snag that promotion, or become the team rockstar.