In case you haven't got the promotion you deserved, what is the best thing to do?

Thank you for inviting me to share my views on this:

I can relate to this question and this is actually every employee's dilemma, especially those who have been working for a while. They have this feeling that they have been neglected and forgotten.  What is the best thing to do?

We have to understand also that there are cases wherein the "hands of the boss are tied up" as per SOP, there is no available budget for another promotion. We have to take into consideration also the chain reaction when one promotion is effected. It will have a "domino effect" and will be a precedent too. 

Now...(Granting) and after all, has been said and done - like having a heart to heart talk to your boss asking him about any future plans for you, based on your performance, capabilities, and qualifications, assuring the boss that you are happy working in the company and that you are ready and looking forward to new challenges, or merely inquiring about the available budget for promotions - then it's time to send you updated CV to other companies and wave goodbye and move on.

With the "feathers on your cap", I'm sure you will go places.

You can ask the interviewer, for a "de-briefing" to discuss the areas of your performance that let you down. You can also follow it up by saying you want to improve on any negative aspects your interviewer picked up on. Hope this helps.

if the circumstances are as such that vertical movement becomes blocked, one should explore the avenues for best possible horizontal utilisation of the experience and potentials .

THanks for invitation,

The best thing in this case to ask for a personal meeting with your boss in order to know exactly What are exactly your weak points in order to improve

In case u havent gotten the promotion u deserve, the best thing to do is, have a performance evaluation talk with Ur interviewer, supervisor or direct boss so as to know we're Ur weaknesses, strengths and areas for improvement lies and how to make an impact in the shortest time possible. Also, inquire what the expectations for promotions are so u walk progressively towards the target and not moving at the slower pace when expected to move fast and chase the target.

Also, a self evaluation of Ur individual work and contribution should be done first by you so as to measure own performance prior promotion, and explain to the interviewer why u deserved a promotion if u weren't promoted as expected. Not forgetting to take note of improvement areas commented on by Ur interviewer or supervisor or boss

I remain in my work because I have complete confidence in my director and his decision is one who has chosen me for this position which I am and he who sees me is still in my plase

Is to be patient ...wait till the opportunity comes...talk to your management about yor commitment in the company.

would like to second Mr John Monaghan answer.