12 signs you're about to be promoted at work, even if it doesn't feel like it

HBO/YouTube

Snagging a promotion can be rough.

As Littlefinger aptly put it in "Game of Thrones," "Chaos isn't a pit. Chaos is a ladder. Many who try to climb it fail and never get to try again. The fall breaks them."

Keep that in mind the next time you're thinking about climbing the ladder of success at work. You probably won't end up losing your head quite like some of Littlefinger's unfortunate colleagues, but heck, I don't want to make assumptions — I don't know anything about your company's culture. Still, the process can be frustrating, competitive, and extremely political.

That being said, if you're serious about pursuing a promotion at work, it's important to keep your eye out for subtle signs that you're being strongly considered.

Here are 12 indicators that you're in the running for a promotion, even if it doesn't feel like it:

You're suddenly invited to meetings that you were previously excluded from

Meetings can be kind of a drag. This might just feel like extra work, but it's actually a good omen, 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 Michael Kerr, an international business speaker and author of "The Humor Advantage."

Lynn Taylor, a national workplace expert and the author of "Tame Your Terrible Office Tyrant: How to Manage Childish Boss Behavior and Thrive in Your Job, agrees. "This is a great sign, especially if your advice is sought during these meetings and you're asked to lead future ones."

You've been asked to take on a special assignment or project with added responsibilities

Again, being asked to tackle challenging or difficult tasks isn't a bad thing. It's probably a sign that your boss is impressed.

"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.

Your boss is being promoted

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.