12 signs you're about to be promoted at work

This is a good sign, especially if you're invited to join meetings that involve senior management, managers from other departments, or key clients. "This obviously reflects a great deal of trust in your abilities," says Kerr.

Taylor agrees. "This is a great sign, especially if your advice is sought during these meetings and you're asked to lead future ones."

"It shows that you've earned the trust of at least your immediate leader and it's a great opportunity to grow and demonstrate new skills," says Kerr.

When your boss moves up, it's a prime opportunity for you to advance — especially if you've worked closely with your boss and they've groomed you for the spot, says Taylor.

If your boss takes the time to have an in-depth conversation about your family life, training goals, and long-term career plans, then this is a sign that senior leaders are sussing out where you, and possibly your colleagues, stand in terms of career goals and ambition, says Kerr.

This isn't the case in every workplace, but often, prior to a promotion, you may notice more invitations to lunch, says Taylor. "Good bosses view themselves as mentors and enjoy sharing in your success. They may also want to show appreciation for your work or want greater camaraderie through lunch or coffee breaks, as their level of trust increases. All positive signs for a promotion."

When senior leaders invest money in your professional development, it's because they see potential in you and may be grooming you as part of their succession plan, Kerr explains.

Another good sign is if management starts tapping you to train other individuals or groups, Taylor adds.

Do you practically feel like the red carpet is thrown before you as you enter your office space?

"Maybe your boss and other managers are aware that you will soon be rewarded for your contributions, so they begin treating you like gold, with newfound respect," says Taylor.

Being asked for input is a sign that people respect your wisdom, judgment, and experience, Kerr says.

"If you're seeing more emails with 'Good job!' and higher ups are being copied — or you're even praised in public more frequently — your boss may be making a case to clinch the deal for your promotion by creating a positive 'paper trail,'" says Taylor.

This may not, of course, mean that you'll be in line for a promotion, but it does mean that there's the potential for new roles to open up and for people, including your immediate boss, to be shifted somewhere else, Kerr explains.

"If your company is thriving and your department is actively hiring, this bodes well for your advancement," adds Taylor. "But you'll need tenure at the firm, and solid recent results to show for it, of course. Promotions are merit-based, not tenure-based."

Do higher-ups seem to be paying more attention to your perspectives, ideas, and communications in emails and proposals? Do they suddenly say "hi" and smile every time they pass you in the hallway? Maybe it's because you're on their radar.

When you're already doing more senior work that is suited for a higher-level job description, you're considered a good candidate for a promotion, Taylor says. "There's little downside, as you have a proven track record. So the title (and hopefully salary increase), become a formality."