Author: Jackie Clark Johnson – Career Coach
You can make great strides in your career without spending long days and nights at the office.
Advancing your career is the result of several small strategies. While none of these is likely to make a significant difference by itself, when combined, the results can be impressive.
Boost your career and increase your paycheck with these four strategies:
1. Be reliable
We have all worked with employees that could not be trusted. They were the ones you knew wouldn’t be able to keep their promises. Avoid establishing a similar reputation. If you say you are going to do something, do it. Be 100% reliable at all times.
2. Be on time
Whether it is for work, a meeting, or a personal engagement, always be on time. Do you control your time or do you allow it to control you? Avoid being too early for meetings as well. You will appear to have too much free time. Five minutes early is perfect.
Being on time also means having your work done on time. Give yourself the opportunity to impress. If you an have something done by Wednesday, commit to it being done by Friday and create the opportunity to turn it in early. Consider that most people do the opposite and get themselves in trouble.
3. Dress for success
Many promotions are given to the candidate that looks the part. Always dress up one level from your peers. Strive to dress like your boss. You’ll be surprised how much of a difference it makes.
4. Keep your resume up-to-date
Keep your resume current, or create a resume for the first time. Spend a few minutes each month adding new and relevant information to your resume. When a good opportunity comes along, you’ll be prepared.
These four strategies help ensure you are continually developing yourself, as well as your competitive edge within the workforce.
Please read Part Two for additional strategies that will provide you with the necessary support and encouragement every professional needs as they grow and advance.
