Want to be the office go-getter? Even if you’re not specifically looking for a flashier title or more money (yeah right!), this article is for you.

If you’re not shining as bright as you’d like to on the job, or have been passed over for a promotion; it’s time to take initiative. You might be hesitant, fearing that if you do, you’ll be overstepping. Here’s the thing though, whether you’re an intern or a seasoned manager, simply doing the work is never good enough. In order to take charge of your career you need to be proactive.

You have to prove to the decision makers that you are ready and deserving to take on more responsibility. Successful people provide value beyond what’s asked of them and, in the process, showcase their talents. And, over time employers will come to them with bigger and better projects, which will benefit both the company and their careers.

Ramit Sethi, author of iwillteachyoutoberich.com, wrote that it can take just three to six months to establish yourself as a top performer in a company. Here’s how:

• Indicate that you can take on more. Make your boss aware that you want the promotion. Be humble, inquisitive, passionate and hungry.
• Know your strengths. So, you may be one of the young guns in the company, but doesn’t that make you the most social-media-savvy?
• Become the powerhouse. Don’t wait for permission to do more. Push beyond your job description; ask yourself what else could be done, and do it.
• Keep learning. Continuously improve and develop your skills. Attend conferences and enrol in webinars to prove that you’re not waiting for someone else to get you where you want to be.
• Make yourself indispensable. Follow through on tasks; own a project from start to finish.
• Show up a little earlier. Research from the University of Washington found supervisors rate employees who come in late as being lower performers.
• Speak up and come up with solutions. Be confident in your gestures, voice and behaviour. Make sure that your suggestions are based on broad research and adequate facts.
• Prove that you’re a leader by showing that you’re a team player. Raise the performance of others on your team. Yet, be the one who updates the boss.
• Never skip the office party. You know what they say that as many deals are made on the golf course as in the office. When it comes to picking a team member for a conference in Hawaii, who will be chosen? Not what’s-her-name, that girl that never comes to the party.
• Dress for success. Dress for the job you want, not for the one you have.

However, if you’ve been killing it and one of your peers gets tapped for your job time and again, it may be time to cut your losses. More often than not a promotion is easier to attain at a new job than at your current employer.

Good luck!

Source: learning.linkedin.com, fascompany.com, glassdoor.com, themuse.com, monster.com, businessinsider.co.za, topresume.com

DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms or need health advice, please consult a healthcare professional.