If you have been in the workforce for any amount of time I’m sure you have noticed that at any job there are those people who seem to get their job done and fit in better than others.  These are the people who are getting raises, promotions and all of the perks.  On the other hand, there are the workers that seem to be just “there”.  They don’t make waves, they are at work on time, get their job done, but just don’t seem to get the “perks” like the elite crew… often they wonder why they always getting passed over.

It is interesting that there always seems to be a split in workers.   Some people go to work, watch the clock, do their work and collect a check.  Yet others are constantly looking for ways to get ahead and be a contribution to the company.

If you have been at your job for a while and feel like you are starting to fall into that first group, here are a few tactics that can help you get ahead at your company, no matter what kind of work you do.

• Act the part. You never get a second chance to make a first impression.  Cliché I know, but you want to make sure you dress and act professional at all times. Your clothing doesn’t need to be lavish for you to project credibility. It just needs to be suitable to the atmosphere where you work. If you want that big promotion, act the part, not only in your job performance but in the way you look too. Your co-workers, clients and managers or bosses will notice your actions and how you look the part.
• Keep the negative to yourself.  No matter where you work or what job you do, there is always going to be an opportunity for negativity.  Don’t participate in the workplace gossip.  Even if your manager is asking questions and it seems like the perfect opportunity to voice your opinion about something negative, don’t do it. Even if your supervisors are looking for comments about other workers, restrain yourself from the negativity and seek for the positives.
• Do your best.  Even if you are given what seems like a menial task, do it to the best of your ability and don’t fall victim to the temptation putting forth a menial effort.  Trust me; management will notice that you take a menial task as seriously as you do the important ones.
• Do work no one else wants to do.  Stepping up when no one else is willing is the perfect way to get noticed. This doesn’t mean that you should overwork yourself but taking on extra responsibility, especially when you are not getting paid for it, will get you noticed and likely get you promoted so you do.
• Stay updated on your industry.   Read all of the trade newsletters or other pertinent materials in order to keep you up-to-date on trends and technology. You never know how or when this information will become valuable.
• Ask for More Responsibilities.  Volunteering to help out in other departments or simply asking for more responsibilities will increase your value within your company. When you ask for more work it shows that you have an interest and desire to be an asset to your department and company.
• Be a leader. When tough situations happen, every place of work benefits from having someone they can count on as a leader. Be that person.  Be the person who speaks for the workers during a meeting. Be that guy who always helps people out when they’re having a tough time. Eventually, you’ll find that your co-workers will start to come to you by default.  Management will see you as a natural leader.

Now while you’re doing all of these things, remember to keep doing the main parts of your job to a high standard. If you fail to do your job properly, you will surely get noticed…  but for all the wrong reasons!