Manager won't give me a promotion and gives vague/ inconsistent feedback, why?

[Bitesize89]

I've been in this entry level role for three years now. Consistently getting good performance reviews a year ago I started asking about the process for a promotion as I work in a consultancy so promotions are based on competencies and you don't have to wait for a role to become available. The first TWO times I asked about the process she gave the vaguest answers about how the process works and wouldn't explain it to me properly. I had to pull teeth for her to answer. She is senior so she def knows how it works, it get that she doesn't want me to get promoted but I've asked three times now and she gave me inconsistent feedback and keeps changing the requirements. She told me a few things to improve and I looked back at my performance review and those were things she had put on there as me doing well. I just don't get why she's acting this way if I need to work on things then fine but she should be consistent and my performance reviews are great, the feedback she gives me goes against what she put on those. I asked for more development opportunities and she seems to block me from them. Just why?

Selfish managers like her don't want good workers like you to get their promotion. She's pulled up the drawbridge behind herself and is uncooperative because you'll inconvenience her if you leave or move jobs.

I'd never ask a current manager for a promotion, they aren't the right person.

you need to find a new job vacancy elsewhere at a higher rate and apply for it. Even if you don't get the first job you go for it's still good experience. Keep trying until you get a new role and leave her to it.

Depends how the business is doing. Our company has had a bad 2 years and it means I have a lot staff waiting in the wings for a long time for promotion. Last October we were allowed to promote 2 out of 4 groups which was out of 400 people all of whom did not do the same job. This year I’m desperately trying to a number through but have been told to half the number and “we’ll go from there” best of luck but it may be that your manager does not have the opportunity to promote. Think about what the company does offer you. A good company culture cannot be overstated as I’m in a pretty hostile environment due to a new manager joining and everyone is finger pointing everyone else! I’m looking for a job but it’s not easy out there right now for job hunters. Your time will come!

Look around for another job. Loyalty is very rarely rewarded. If they think you are unlikely to leave there is no reason to promote you because it's a cost saving.

From what you say you work in private industry.
In public sector there are clear recruitment processes for promotion opportunities.
All roles are advertised in line with equal opportunities so that everyone can apply.
i manage a large team and certainly encourage growth and development.
i would never stand in a team members way. I help them by coaching them annd developing their skills. After all internal promotion of team members is a reflection of yourself if talent is developing.
Id start looking elsewhere. You’ve got the experience, go for roles you feel suited to and will develop you.