These days, with so many people vying for one job, it’s essential that you make sure your boss notices the good you are doing in order for you to progress within the company. Making a good impression on your employer is the key to moving upwards and onwards, assuming that is what you want to do. Even if you want to change jobs and move to a different company, having a good reference will be important. So if you want to rise through the ranks quickly, there are some things you should try to get noticed.
Make Eye Contact
Eye contact is something that will help you in many areas of your life, including work. Being able to make eye contact with someone (in this case, your boss) shows not only confidence but honesty, two traits that are sure to get you noticed and that your boss will certainly want in an employee. It will also make you stand out from the crowd, as many people do have a hard time making and maintaining eye contact throughout a conversation. If the majority of people within the business can’t look at your boss (or anyone else) when speaking to them, you are going to be the one who is noticed because you can.
If you find making eye contact difficult, then you may need to practice. Once you start, it will become much easier, and hopefully will even form into a habit that you don’t need to think about. There are different ways to make eye contact, and you don’t want to come across as too aggressive or creepy, so again, practice in the mirror to make sure you seem confident, competent, and friendly.
Know About Them
We’re not recommending that you stalk your boss and find out every little detail about them to use in conversation as that really is going a little too far. However, listening to what they say, looking around their office if you are called in to see them to spot photos of family, a degree certificate, signs of what they might do for a hobby, is all absolutely legitimate. Remembering these facts is extremely important when it comes to impressing your employer and getting them to notice you.
Simple things like knowing your boss’ children’s names, or the fact that they like to go swimming or play golf, or they are an amateur artist, can go a long way if you can bring these facts into the conversation. Doing this will strengthen your relationship, and you won’t be forgotten.
Take Bold Steps
If you want to be noticed, you need to be bold and do whatever you can to be spotted. If you’re in a meeting, make sure you’re the first one to ask a question. Don’t worry about looking foolish because by asking that question you are demonstrating that not only are you listening to what is said but that you’re interested too. Fear of being criticized is the thing that will stop most people from making this move, but if you can rise above that and make yourself known, it will pay dividends.
Answering questions will also help you here, as will being prepared. Research in advance and have information ready so that you can prove to your boss that you know what you are talking about every time.
Always Be On Time
Being late to work is not something that will ever go down well with your boss, and although you may get noticed for it, it won’t be in a positive way! Your employer may think that you don’t care about your job, or that you’re not taking it seriously. They may also think that you are disrespecting them, and the business itself. You need to show up on time (or before time) and perform to your absolute best in all aspects of your job, and if you are late with no legitimate reason, you won’t be able to do that.
Productivity is key to being noticed and to working your way up the career ladder, so having the right mindset from the beginning of the day to the end, is essential.
Take On Challenges
There will be challenges at work that need to be overcome, and many people will stay away from having to deal with them. If you are the one who steps up and tackles the issues, you will be noticed. This is especially true if you succeed, but even if you don’t quite manage to solve the problem, the fact that you tried when no one else did will be a positive mark for you with your boss.
If there are no challenges at work, then you can work on your own life and challenge yourself there. Quitting smoking is a big challenge that many people want to take on, and if you do this and show that you are truly trying, it will certainly impress your boss. You could switch to vaping instead of cigarettes, for example, to show how much you are willing to take on the challenge, and you can learn more here.
Own Your Mistakes
We all make mistakes; no one is perfect, and no one should ever claim to be. It is, of course, easy not to take ownership of any mistakes made, especially if there seems to be no way of finding out that it was you who did it. However, if you own up and take responsibility, you will be more likely to be noticed. It will show your boss that you are willing to accept when you are wrong and that you are keen to make amends. It also shows honesty and integrity, especially if you talk to your boss about the error before it is even noticed. Ask how you can make up for it, and how you can do better next time, and you will impress even more.
Be Dependable
If your boss can rely on you to always get the job done on time and on budget, they will notice you. They will come to you for help, and that will eventually mean that they will promote you, and you will do well in the business. It may be hard work in the short term, but when it comes to long term success, it will all be worth it.
