In today’s world, it’s difficult to stand out and make a name for yourself. We did it…we put ourselves out there, went on interviews, landed the job, and finally have our foot in the door. The question then becomes, what now?
If, like me, you are just starting out in your career and are developing your identity as a young professional, the name of the game is to get yourself noticed in a positive light as you pay your dues. After all, us go getter girls realize that it is up to us to make the most of what we have to work with! The great thing is that we totally have the power to create our own opportunities.
Taking a few extra steps can score you major bonus points for creativity, tenacity, and drive. Here are five tips which can help you increase your value as an employee, and get you noticed by the people who matter in the workplace.
Take a Class
Broaden your knowledge base and improve your skill set by taking a class or workshop. There are numerous resources available to do this, and many of them are free or may even be paid for by your employer. An online class can be the perfect option for the full-time career gal, and Coursera is a personal favorite of mine to take classes from. They offer a wide range of subjects from highly esteemed universities, you learn on your own schedule, and it’s 100% FREE. You can learn more about Coursera, and all the online courses they offer, here.
Be Efficient
Getting your work done accurately and in a timely fashion is crucial to getting noticed. You want your boss to come to expect your work output to be high, and consistently high quality. That makes you reliable and dependable, two invaluable qualities in an employee! Can we say, promotion?
Attend Work-Sponsored Social Events
Embrace those networking opportunities, career girl! Work-related social events, such as company picnics, happy hours, or holiday parties can offer a great opportunity to make a lasting impression and get yourself noticed. In these settings it may be easier to connect with someone you might not normally get the opportunity to, such as higher level executives. If you are an introvert, starting conversation may feel more natural in these settings, and the relaxed vibe will give you room to open up and show your sparkle. If you’re already a social butterfly, then this is your time to shine! Go ahead, shine and get noticed!
Raise Your Hand
Ask questions. Request more work. Volunteer yourself for projects. Basically, be present and get involved. Doing this will make it known that you are eager, that you are team player, and that you are capable of managing multiple tasks at once. This will prove you’re more than capable of handling more responsibility as time goes on, which will become significant when you are considered for that bonus, raise, or promotion!
Lessen the Burden
If you are able to problem solve on your own, without seeking help every step of the way, it will show you are capable of working independently and effectively. Your self-sufficiency will allow your boss to focus on her own duties, rather than having to worry about micromanaging you, and you will receive more responsibility as a reward. This talent goes hand in hand with becoming more efficient. Embrace that savvy business woman within you, and don’t be afraid to take matters into your own hands!
The bottom line is that establishing yourself in your professional role and rising up in your career are difficult, and hugely intimidating, tasks. Just remember, career girl, that you are awesome. You are capable. And you can achieve anything you set your mind to!
Do you have any tips or advice on how to get yourself noticed in the workplace? Tweet to us @mscareergirl and tell us more!
