Advance your Career Tips to help you Stand out at Work
Being in the military, it is virtually impossible to stand out from the crowd. Just think about it, we all have the same training, we all dress alike, we have the same hair cuts, and everyone you are competing with is in the same job as you. There really isn't anything more competitive than that. However, even when it seems that it is impossible to stand out from the crowd, there are a lot of little things that you can do to really stick out at work, and eventually move up.
Being on timeOne of the most important things that you can do is be punctual. While this sort of goes without saying, there is a different between being on time and making it to work on time. If you are truly on time, you are early. I would suggest arriving at least 15 minutes prior to every shift. This will allow time for turnover if there is a shift prior to yours and it will allow you to get situated. By arriving early for work, you'll show your boss that you are taking initiative. This shows that you are reliable and you won't let the boss down by being late to important meeting with a client.
Go above and beyondMost people when doing work, they do just enough to get by. If you are doing just enough to get by, then you are doing just as much as everyone else. In order to distinguish yourself from the rest, you need to do everything better and faster. If your boss gives you until Wednesday to turn in a specific weekly report, turn it in by Monday. If he gives you a project to have to him within the next 5 hours, get it to him within 30 minutes. Supervision will notice these trends and eventually it will pay off for you.
Avoid breaking and group speakIf you want to avoid being labeled with the others in your workplace that are lazy and just hang out loitering all day, eat at your desk. By eating at your desk, you are showing that you are being responsible and eating, while at the same time proving that you are dedicated to the task at hand. This is true regardless of whether or not you are actually working.
Make it knownThe best method of getting promoted is by obtaining more training. Make it known to your boss that you are interested in internal training or that you are attending college and want to know what opportunities that will open up for you within the company. Don't overly push this issue, but allow your boss to see that you are aggressive in trying to further develop yourself. This outside of work development will show a dedication to your work that goes above and beyond your 9-5.
Last to leaveEven if you don't have anything going on, don't be the first one to leave the office. Always stay 30 minutes to an hour after your scheduled time. By doing this, you are showing that you are willing to stay and do whatever it takes to finish your work. Obviously, you shouldn't do this if you are hourly as it will ultimately backfire once you hit overtime. If you are hourly, just volunteer to be the late person if they need additional help after your shift is up.
Smile and engage in conversationThe more you smile and strike conversation with your boss, even in passing, the more face time you'll have with them. You want to be on their mind as much as possible. This could result in more work, but if you are able to expedite that work and show that you can handle the workload, this could play out favorable for you.
Dress the partJust like in Office Space, don't wear the minimum amount of flare. If you are wearing just the minimum work requirement then you'll forever be in that job. If you think positively and dress for the part, then you'll stand out from the crowd substantially. It's incredible how much the concept of suggestion can do towards influencing others.
Never blameIf your boss begins to yell at you, don't point fingers. Talk to the person that made the mistake and have them admit to their own mistakes. If you hear someone else getting blamed for something that you do, volunteer yourself for the punishment. Eventually your boss would find out anyway that it was you, by standing up and admitting that you messed up, you are showing character. Also, by not pointing you finger at your coworker, you are showing your boss that you understand that if someone on the team fails, you all fail.
Give something to talk aboutCreate a work area that gives your boss something to remember. If you have the same boring cubicle that everyone else has, then you aren't going to be noticed. You want every aspect of you to stand out. If this means you have to replace your monitor with a fancy green one, because green is your favorite color, then do it. Make sure that whatever you put up in your workplace reflects you and is clean in nature. The best things that you can put up are awards that you have won, copies of books that you have gotten published, degrees that you've earned, things of that nature. By doing this, you are compounding on your experience, reminding those around you what you know, while at the same time showing that you take pride in your accomplishments. If you have no awards, showcase your family, but make sure that you do so in a way that stands out.
Be a starterTry and create a means of getting your name in the open. Start up a project for the company, start up a birthday party program where you go around and throw mini parties whenever someone has a birthday. By doing this, you'll create friends in the workplace, create a buzz amongst the workers, and again put your name in the mouth of your boss. The key is to not kiss too much butt otherwise this will backfire. Don't go overboard, and don't hype what you have done. Treat it as if it is just another one of the many things you do on a regular basis.
