We all want to get ahead, and, let’s face it, some of us don’t know how to do that. Below are some guaranteed tips to help you get noticed and land that promotion.

DRESS TO IMPRESS

Even if you work in an environment that has casual Friday every day, you will still want to kick it up a notch. It is always important to present yourself professionally. Make sure your clothes are clean and pressed, and your hair is brushed and styled. For men, even if you don’t need to wear a tie, why not do it? It shows that you respect yourself and your environment. For women, showing skin is not your best option. Modesty is professional. You don’t want anything to distract others from seeing your work. Take note of how your superiors are presenting themselves.

ORGANIZATION AND TIME MANAGEMENT

Being on top of everything you are responsible for is an excellent sign of your abilities. Having these two skills will also ensure you’ll never miss a deadline and you’ll stay ahead of the game.

PREPAREDNESS

Come to meetings with anything and everything you may need. Even if you never have to pull out a report, memo, at least you have it just in case. This level of readiness will impress your superiors and show them that you are a big-picture thinker.

BRING YOUR IDEAS

We all have ideas, big and small. Never hesitate to share them. Present them professionally…even if it is an attachment to an email you are sending to your boss. Have the idea fleshed out and organized. It does not matter if your idea is used. What matters is that you are showing yourself as a team player and invested in the company’s success.

YES I CAN

Be willing and able to offer help to coworkers, participate in different groups or committees. You will be seen as a leader, a mentor, and, again, a team player. Be part of the solution.

SIDE NOTE

Do NOT get involved in office politics or drama. Do not participate when someone comes to you to complain, or you and your coworkers are hanging around the water cooler, and there is gossip going on. You don’t want to be known as a gossip. It is not professional or management material and can prevent you from getting ahead in your current job.

There is a way not to alienate your coworkers and still not participate. Check out the article on office politics and what to avoid.

Please chime in with any thoughts or ideas we may have missed. I would love to hear your ‘getting ahead’ stories!