10 Ways to Impress Your Boss by Being Smart and Adding Value!

Very often you will be working in a team of people that are doing the same things as you, or applying for a job against people with similar backgrounds.

So how can you secure that job, get that prize or promotion? It is not always as difficult as you think…

1. Manage Expectations…Then Exceed Them!

Isn’t it nice when you get more than you expect?

Make sure the people you are working for know what they are going to get at the end of the day, this helps them plan ahead and establishes you as a reliable person.

Also be careful not to establish yourself as a person who can’t get things done, planning and communication can get your through this.

2. Get really good at what you do.

This may seem really obvious, but it is a key idea.

You can do all the wonderful things in the world and it won’t make a huge difference if people are concerned that you are not doing what they expect you to do.

It can be difficult, especially if what they expect you to do isn’t really as fun as the alternatives.

3. Show an understanding of where you fit in.

Getting the bigger picture can open up doors to you.

It is very very difficult to be in charge of something you don’t quite understand.

4. Show some leadership skills.

Want to be a leader? Act like one.

5. Be enthusiastic and try new things.

Building up lots of experience always looks great when its time for your performance to be reviewed.

Don’t be afraid to try new things and volunteer for work/projects. As mentioned in point 2, your core tasks should always be a priority.

6. Make notes.

I find that people often remember the unfavorable things a person has done but gloss over some of the things that have gone well.

Always note down if you do something well, this is great if you ever have to self-review. One way to do this is to sneakily keep an email folder in Outlook.

7. Use what you know- my favorite tip!

I like this as it can be very easy to do.

Chances are you may have some experience in an area your teacher/professor/boss is not familiar with.

This can be through previous jobs, hobbies or even other classes/training programs.

Take a second and think if you can use any of this knowledge to help you move ahead!

Here is an example:

I used to work in online marketing and noticed the articles on the corporate website could be improved, so I made this:

Click to open .pdf file

8. Write things down

This helps make sure you don’t have to ask the same question twice, I always carry a notebook with me.

9. Understand risk

If you work for a company chances are they will be constantly worrying about ‘risk issues’ (especially in this economic climate).

This is pretty much the chance of getting sued or damaging the corporate brand. If you can show you can help reduce this risk, you are on to a winner.

For example, if you are talking to a client and they ask a question you have no idea about, it is best to ring them back once you have had a chance to make sure what you are saying is right.

10. Learn from mistakes

Yep, we have a guide.