Feeling stuck in your HR career? You’re not alone and you’re definitely not out of options.

If you’re an ambitious HR professional who’s tired of spinning your wheels while others get promoted around you, this blog post is for you.

I recently released a video that walks you through a step-by-step framework to build your personal HR Career Growth Plan. And in this post, we’re digging into each of those steps so you can create a roadmap that moves you from overlooked to in-demand.

Watch the full video here:

Before you can chart a new path, you have to get honest about where you are right now.

This step is about self-awareness, not self-criticism. Look at your current HR role and assess:

• What are your core responsibilities?

• How are you currently viewed by your organization?

• What’s working well… and what’s not?

If you’ve been doing the same work for a while with no new opportunities, you might be unintentionally signaling that you’re comfortable, not ready for more.

Clarity on where you stand is the foundation for your growth plan.

Once you know where you are, you need to get clear on where you're going.

And “I want to grow” isn’t specific enough.

Ask yourself:

• What does the next level actually look like for you?

• Is it a promotion to HR Manager, or a lateral move into a more strategic role?

• What kind of impact do you want to be making?

When you can define your career target clearly, it becomes easier to reverse-engineer the steps to get there. This isn’t just a wish. This is the destination your plan is building toward.

Here’s the truth: The skills that got you to where you are aren’t enough to get you to where you want to go.

That’s not a criticism. It’s the natural evolution of leadership.

You need to take an honest look at the technical and leadership competencies required for your target role and assess how you currently measure up.

That means:

• Reviewing job descriptions for roles you want

• Getting feedback from trusted colleagues or mentors

• Identifying gaps in strategic thinking, data fluency, conflict resolution, or visibility

Then -- and this is key -- take action to close those gaps. Enroll in training. Volunteer for projects. Shadow leaders. Don't wait for permission to grow.

A dream becomes a plan when it has structure.

Your growth plan should include:

• Specific developmental goals (i.e., “Lead a cross-functional project”)

• Realistic timelines (set quarterly milestones)

• Key stakeholders (who needs to see your progress?)

When your goals are measurable and time-bound, you’ll stop wondering “Am I making progress?” and start seeing proof.

This plan is your personal accountability tool. It keeps your growth on track, and when the time comes to advocate for a promotion, it becomes your case study.

Promotions rarely happen in a vacuum. Visibility matters -- not just being seen, but being known for the value you bring.

That starts with building strategic relationships:

• Internally, with decision-makers, mentors, and peers who can champion your work

• Externally, with other HR professionals who help you think bigger and stay inspired

Don’t assume your good work will speak for itself. Speak for it. Share wins. Present at meetings. Offer insight in leadership discussions. When the right people know what you’re capable of, doors start to open.

You’re not building your career in your head. You need a way to measure the moves you’re making.

Set up a Career Growth Tracker where you record:

• Milestones you’ve achieved

• Skills you’ve strengthened

• Impact you’ve made

• Feedback you’ve received

This tracker isn’t just for you. It’s for anyone who needs proof that you’re ready for the next step.

Review it regularly, and make adjustments where needed. Growth isn’t always linear, but if you’re tracking your journey, you’ll never feel lost again.

HR is evolving fast. If you don’t have a plan, it’s easy to get left behind or passed over for promotions that should have been yours.

You don’t need to wait for someone to “tap you on the shoulder.”

You need a plan that helps you move with intention, make your value visible, and advocate for the leadership role you’re capable of.

That’s what this post and video just walked you through, and it’s exactly what I teach inside The HR Leadership Accelerator.

You’re not stuck. You just need a better strategy.

Ready to apply? If you're an HR professional with expertise to leverage and you're ready to make a big impact by crafting your own HR career path, click here to schedule time to see if we're a fit to work together inside The HR Leadership Accelerator: https://calendly.com/talentedteamsconsulting/strategy