I am a mid-level engineer and I have noticed that at most companies, the criteria for getting promoted are frustratingly vague. "Demonstrates senior-level impact" or "shows technical leadership", but no one tells you exactly what that means or how to prove it. It is not objective

I have seen equally talented engineers get different promo outcomes because one had a better manager or knew how to "sell" their work better during perf cycles.

Curious:

- At your company, are promo criteria clearly defined and measurable?

- Have you ever been told you're "not ready" without a concrete explanation of what's missing?

- Would it help to have an objective method that maps your work against your company's level framework and shows you exactly which gaps to close?

Genuinely trying to understand if this is a widespread problem or just my experience.