Women's Life Link Be Well, Be Happy, Be YOU!
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After you have scored that stellar new job, you need to show them what you’ve got in the position so you can stand out. To get ahead, you must have a drive of excellence, competence, and flexibility. Your boss is watching, and, likely, his or her boss is watching. Before anything we talk about here, be proactive at finding out exactly what is expected of you and do those things to the best of your ability. If you want to excel quickly, here are 6 get ahead action steps to sky rocket your career!
Get Ahead Action Step #1: Do Your Own Research
Make sure you do your own research for ideas on the most efficient and cutting edge ways to do your specific job. Also, research competitors and the company’s buyer market. Picture yourself and a group of your co-workers, including your boss, chatting about the latest market trends. You are the star with your tips and forward thinking solutions. Yes, you did your homework and they all know it! The information you share could get you marked as “one to watch” for future projects or promotions.
Get Ahead Action Step #2: Volunteer and Offer Assistance
Don’t wait to be called on to help or do a new project. Be the first one to volunteer your expertise and time to help the company get ahead. Also, if they ask for someone to stay late, offer to do this occasionally. These gestures are impressive and prove that you will go the extra mile for success. Make sure you attend as many company activities as you can outside of work. For example, if there is a company sports team, get involved in whatever capacity you can.
Get Ahead Action Step #3: Be Flexible
Flexibility can really pay off, especially when starting a new job. Of course, you need to have a good work-life balance, but your willingness to do whatever it takes to help the company will pay off. Offer to cover other people’s shifts if necessary and stay open for schedule changes if it works for you. Always give them plenty of notice when you need time off or are going on vacation.
Get Ahead Action Step #4: Ask Questions
If you are struggling or aren’t sure how to do something, ask for help. You don’t want to make a completely avoidable mistake that could cost the company money or customers…not to mention, it could cost you your job. Therefore, it’s best to ask questions up front, so you know exactly what you need to do. Don’t be afraid to ask your co-workers and supervisors to share their tips and techniques with you. This type of communication also creates good company morale and a team-oriented environment.
Get Ahead Action Step #5: Increase Your Skills
Don’t be complacent with your present skill set. Be proactive and seek out programs and classes that will help you to do your job better. As discussed in this feature, you should choose courses that offer a certificate in the end. Talk to your boss about your desire to learn; the company may even pay for you to take a course or even a whole degree program. Having extra skills in your field will definitely put you at the top of the list when it comes to a promotion or pay increase. And you don’t even have to go to a physical building to take some classes; there are so many online courses to help you excel in your career. Many people struggle with business writing, such as choosing classification essay topics or creating proposals and follow up letters. You can find help online with these specific business topics to sharpen up your skills.
Get Ahead Action Step #6: Share Your Ideas
Once you have established a measure of trust and stability on your job, share your ideas for the business with your boss. It shows you have initiative and drive to succeed if you offer your ideas. It could just be a simple system that helps you to do your job better. Efficiency always produces a better result for everyone. Who knows, your ideas could be the next big thing for the company and for your career!
Also, make sure you get to know your colleagues and boss. Show them you are a confident and social person, as this is just as important as your skills.
