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| When the job market is tough,
it takes more than just showing up each day to keep your job,
let alone earn a better-paying position. So what does it take
to achieve career success today? Follow these 10 rules, and
your chances of career success will improve immensely: |
1. Get to work early.
Sure you want that extra half-hour of sleep each morning. Go
to bed earlier and put that half-hour to better
use, by being one of the first people to show up at work. Getting
in early will show your bosses that you’re someone who
cares about the job—and not just another timeserver. Best
of all, managers and supervisors are far more accessible before
work starts than they will be during the day. If you have a good
idea, or some plan for doing things better, your best chance
for presenting it is before everyone gets caught up in the day’s
activities.
2. Do better than anyone expects you to.
Whatever
the assignment calls for, do a little more—or do it faster
than other people. The surest way to career success is to mark
yourself as someone who does the job better than anyone else.
Don’t worry if co-workers tease you about your extra effort.
Being able to do more for your spouse and kids should make up
for any temporary discomfort at work.
3. Come up with ideas for
making things better.
One way to pass the time
before the business day starts is by looking around carefully
at your workplace and
coming up with ideas for improving things. Use that relaxed time
with supervisors to pass along your suggestions for improvement.
4.
Be the first to volunteer for new assignments.
You’d
rather not have to put in more time than you must. But you’d
also rather keep your job and get a raise. When a new project
is announced, be the first to sign up. Your initiative will be
noticed—and eventually rewarded—by higher-ups.
5.
Stay ahead of the curve.
The technology revolution
means almost non-stop change for work-places. Make an effort
to be among the
first to master new tools and techniques. It will be noted that
you’re often the one picked to help co-workers master a
new system.
6. Continue your education.
Promotions
and financial rewards most often go to those considered most qualified.
Look
around at all the courses you might take that will make you a
more valuable employee. Let management know what you are doing
by asking a supervisor: “What sort of courses do you think
would be most useful to help me move ahead?”
7. Ask for honest appraisals of your
work.
No one likes to hear
criticism. Still, the best way to move ahead at work is to know
where your performance needs improvement. If you don’t
ask, you may never be told that your presentation or computer
skills could stand some work. Use that informal time with supervisors
to ask, “Honestly now, what do you think I should do to
increase my value to the business?” Put the same question
to peers and co-workers for a more complete picture of where
you are falling short.
8. Be an enthusiastic worker.
Most businesses
are trying to accomplish more today with fewer workers. That
can mean working longer hours for the same pay. It can mean increased
pressure with less time off to unwind. Show that you’re
more than equal to the situation by keeping anger and resentment
under control and by facing up to the extra stress with enthusiasm
and a smile.
9. Steer clear of the class clown.
Every
office has its fun-loving comedians. They crack the jokes that
keep
you and your co-workers chuckling. They tend to be among the
most popular people in the office. Well, they may get attention,
but they seldom get promotions and raises. Those are reserved
for people who take their work seriously. you’ll do better
on the job if you save the wise remarks for after working hours.
10. Keep thinking about what comes next.
Ordinary
workers do their jobs and go home without another thought about
the office
until the next day. Rewards go to those who know what direction
the business should move next—and are prepared when the
change in direction occurs. Make the most of your time with management
to ask about what is ahead for the business. Keep up with industry
trends by reading the trade publications for your industry. The
more you understand what the future holds for your business,
the more you can prepare for change. This way, you’ll always
be ready. |
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