9 Proven Strategies to Stand Out and Advance in Your Career

1. Writing one-page summaries of current projects

Depending on your job, there is an expectation for employees to have acquired skill sets and knowledge to perform essential duties. If you’re given specific details on a project, you must be up-to-speed with note-taking, discussions or events before a deadline. One of the ways employees can accomplish a task with little to no errors is to jot down a one-page summary for a current assignment. This lets clients, co-workers and superiors know that not only are you organized, you understand the task at hand .

2. Turning recent achievements into quantifiable assets

One of the surest ways to pique the interests of the bosses is to speak and report your accomplishments in numerical terms. It’s one thing to say you led a group of people on a project that ended up saving money. It’s entirely different to to be more specific by saying you lead 30 employees in a project that saved the company $200,000. It lets your superiors see just how valuable you are to the team.

3. Be one of the firsts to show up and the last the leave

Pay attention to your work as well as the time clock. Typically, bosses expect that you arrive and leave at specified times so that your credited for those hours. But some may be discreet about how much they respect those who are willing to go the extra mile. The earliest signs of success is showing up ahead of time and volunteering to work later than usual.

4. Create a timeline for completed and non-completed assignments

Business management skills can add structure to your professional goals. If you’ve crafted an elaborate plan to finish assignments galore on your to-do list, then stick to it. Create a timeline or agenda that outlines what you have done versus the non-completed assignments, so you can see your track record in getting it all done before the deadline.

5. Be receptive to constructive criticism, critiques, and open discussions

You may have developed a reputation as the “know-it-all” person, but thinking that you’re invincible is not the right type of attitude to have. In any scenario, you should be open to constructive criticism and all points of view, even if you don’t agree. And if you have to diffuse matters at work, it should be handled in a private manner.

6. If you work in a team, highlight the team’s successes as well as your own

Working in a team makes the difference in most business projects, mainly because of the productive ways in which everyone can collaborate as a whole. The collaboration and outcome of a group project speaks to the performance level of everyone involved, and the company’s overall success. Your ability to recognize and highlight the accomplishments of others in addition to your own contributions is vital in establishing your worth.

7. Inquire for more projects and important tasks

Some days, work may feel like a breeze because of the lack of productivity. But your strategy should include inquiring about more projects and important tasks that your co-workers or bosses need to complete. There could be moments when some aren’t handling the duties of work very well, so you could spare them the excess hardship by taking on half or some of the load for that particular day.

8. Specify how much the company has socially and financially benefited because of your presence

Companies rally behind employees with an extensive track record in providing financial, economic and social benefits for their initiative. If you settled major operations or requests on the company’s behalf, make sure the important people know exactly what you did and how it positively affected the company.  This well-articulated or reported information can result in a handsome salary or  new position for you by the end of the year.

9. Negotiate a raise or highly-regarded position

As you and your boss review your growth patterns, both of you could deliberate on a pay raise, bonus, stock options or a high-regarded position that you deserve. This task also defines your staying power and longevity with the company.