ALT-1 Advance your Career Tips to help you Stand out at Work
First things first; do NOT walk in that door late.
1. Make a point of getting to work five to ten minutes early. It shows that you are not just putting in your time.
2. ALWAYS make time to look your best. Don't fly out of the door at the last minute without making sure that you are representing your company in a positive manner.
3. Don't rush; make sure you have done each part of your project completely and correctly. One mistake can doom all the preparation and effort you have put into your work.
4. Do not be afraid to ask questions. It is always better to ask, than to make mistakes. Use reference materials when you can, and try to know more about each topic than you need to finish it. This arms you with a full knowledge of your subject and leaves less room for mistakes.
5. Leave office gossip and politics for others. Always keep your head above the fray, not only because you never know when you might need an ally, but because in the long run it shows maturity and objectivity.
6. Keep a cool head. Don't grovel, but don't bite back. If you have objections or complaints when dealing with your boss, use logic and present your argument respectfully and with reason.
7. Stay fresh; don't overwork yourself and throw yourself into needless overtime. It is best to take care of your physical, emotional and psychological health if you want to do well at work. Arrive fresh, leave in time to relax and free your mind. Make sure you have a hobby or an activity that you enjoy in your spare time, and don't be lax about it, because work is NOT your life.
8. Be easy on yourself. Do your best, and refuse to let nagging doubts worry you. When you have finished a project, leave it finished and go on to the next.
9. Take refresher courses, or classes that will lead you farther ahead in your career. Keep up with new trends and cycles, so that you will not be unpleasantly surprised at changes; let your boss be surprised that you have kept up with research and/or technical advances.
10. Don't rush out the door. Make sure you have finished everything assigned to you, and neaten up your work area so that you can go home and leave your job at work, and in the morning arrive to a clean desk with an uncluttered mind.
You are a stand-out!
