Whether you are a seasoned professional or a new graduate working a first job, everyone wants to be taken seriously at work, be respected and positioned for promotions and raises. How do you go about making a good impression upon bosses and co-workers? Here are some times to help you climb the ladder swiftly and safely.
Make your attitude remarkable
Nothing makes work worse than having to work with depressed and grouchy people. Be happy, optimistic, positive and enjoyable to be around. Don't be a complainer and don't gripe about your job or your employer or any facet of the business. Find ways to be excited about your work, to realize the value of what you do for others and look for ways to turn your attitude into one that makes people want to be around you.
Make other people's day and job easier
Nothing will make your co-workers happier than having someone who wants to help make their job easier. If you are processing work for others, ask that person how your work affects them and if there are things you could do to make their work easier or flow better. Sometimes if you understand the next step in a process that someone else performs, the part you handle will make more sense and you can often find ways to make the process more efficient and meaningful.
Don't waste people's time
You can be personable without being chatty. Be friendly, but don't take up too much of other people's time with mindless chatter that doesn't help anyone get work done. You can gear much of your idle talk toward work topics, such as asking someone about a conference they attended or a training seminar they led.
Know your career goals and make sure you boss knows them
If you have intentions for moving up in your organization, make sure others know - especially your immediate supervisor. Spend time with this person talking with them about their education and experience and ask their advice on how you can prepare yourself for the career you want. Take advantage of your peers and supervisors to learn as much as you can about the business, about managing a staff and about managing your time.
Keep your work and work area under control
Your office or work area at your job should not be confused with your home. If you enjoy a messy and disheveled home, that's your business. But at your place of business, you need to appear organized and in control of your work. A messy desk does say something about your work and you, but it's not a great message. Keep your desk cleared except for current projects. Don't let unfinished work pile up or get lost in the rubble. If your superiors see that you can manage your desk and your time and your work, they will also think you can manage more responsibility since you don't appear overwhelmed.
Let them see confidence and competence
Certainly, you should be confident in your abilities to do your job well and excel in the position. You don't need to be cocky or smug, but just a deep understanding that you know you are more than able and more than qualified to do your work. Confidence is holding your head up, speaking so that you are heard and managing and problems along the way effectively. You also need to appear competent in your job. Keep your mistakes under control, pay attention to the details and always do your best work.
Be excellent - Always
Each day on your job, you should be striving to be excellent. Don't go into any project with an attitude that substandard work is OK for any reason. Make your reputation one that stands on quality and excellence so that when a choice project comes along, your superiors will think of you first.
Being hired to do a job is only the first step. Each day you work you are expected to step up to the challenge of being your best and doing your best work for your employer and your customers and co-workers. Keep your attitude positive and centered on your work and career during work hours and you will reap huge benefits.
