5 Easy Ways To Get Ahead In The Workplace

You're looking for a career boost. You're possibly past your first-year mark at work. You've learned the ropes of your position, but you feel like you're slowing down. What are some ways you can get ahead at work?

There are many positive things you can do that can help you get ahead at work. In fact, the value of these tasks is they make you more motivated'therefore, giving you the career boost you need.

Show Enthusiasm For Your Work

Man shakes hands with a colleague at work

I know. How can you ever feel enthusiastic about work, especially when you already feel sluggish with the same work after a few years? It is precisely this reason I ask you to be enthusiastic. To be enthusiastic at work is about a mental state. You need to make the decision to be enthusiastic. Start by saying, "I will be an eager participant in this project or task."

Attack your task with energy. Do not drag your feet. The more you tell yourself, "This is so boring," or whatever the excuse may be, the worse you will feel. Get interested in the work, and the energy will come naturally. Then, decide to be eagerly involved. You cannot get ahead at work without energy.

Be Efficient In The Workplace

Two coworkers work on a project together

Strive to be the most efficient worker on your team. According to Webster's Universal College Dictionary, to be efficient means "performing or functioning effectively with the least waste of time and effort." When you are effective, you're producing the intended result. When you are efficient, you do it with the least waste of time and effort. That means you are capable and competent.

If you constantly strive to be the most efficient worker, then you will eventually get ahead in your career. You will get a career boost because you are the most capable and competent on the team.

Strive For Excellence While Working

Of the five things you can do to get ahead in the workplace, this one probably calls for you to give yourself some pressure. A little pressure is good since it makes you push yourself harder. Strive for excellence in everything you do. Do not be content with good. Go for great.

Exceed expectations by knowing good is sometimes not good enough. Give everything your utmost best. You will naturally see how this becomes your career booster. When you strive for excellence in everything you do, you naturally surpass others in your work.

Show Up To Work Early

Have you ever thought that showing up to work early can get you ahead at work? It can, especially when your workplace practices flextime. Many people take flextime for granted. They stroll in and out at their own pace, not knowing they have probably wasted productive time.

Start early at work. Some of my most productive days are those I start early before the phone rings and before my staff walks in with questions. Clear your emails from last night and craft that important email when there are no disturbances.

Be Someone Your Co-Workers WANT To Work With Every Day

Make every effort to be the easiest person to work with in the office. Now, I am not saying compromise your need for excellence. For example, this means don't complain and grumble each time there is a team meeting. No one likes to work with someone who nags all the time.

When you are easy to work with, you make working enjoyable for your co-workers too. An upbeat workplace is welcomed everywhere, and you give yourself a competitive edge. That competitive edge is your career booster.

Want to know how your interact with your co-workers, and how it impacts your work? This FREE quiz will tell you your workplace strengths and how to use them to your advantage.

There is no need for complicated plans to get a career boost. Doing these simple things can help you get you ahead at work.

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This article was originally published at an earlier date.

Published February 23, 2022

What To Say When An Interviewer Calls You At A Bad Time

It finally happens! The phone rings and, being in active job search mode, you eagerly answer every unrecognized number because it could be your next employer. But at the particular moment, you’re at the gym, in line at the grocery store, or picking up your kids from after-school sports.

When the phone rings in these situations, it can be mentally jarring, and therefore difficult to focus. Not to mention you’re unlikely to have your resume or other notes in front of you about the particular company. (You did take notes on your company research, right?) So, resist the urge to proceed with the phone interview anyway, out of fear that you won’t get another chance. You will, as long as you set the proper tone of this initial conversation with the recruiter.

Here’s what to say when an interviewer calls at a bad time:

Answer The Phone Correctly

Woman gets a call from a recruiter at a bad time

Since most jobs are going to require that you speak to some other human being inside or outside the company, it’s important to demonstrate how you would answer the phone in professional circumstances.

The first impression you give the interviewer should be an indication of the first impression you would give to that company’s vendors or customers. Eliminate the awkward five seconds when the recruiter, probably thinking it’s you, is required to ask for you, only for you to respond with, “Who’s calling?” (or the more defensive version, “Who’s this?”). The wrong inflection can make you seem like you’re avoiding bill collectors, and the entire exchange slows the flow of conversation. Instead, smile—yes, smile through the phone (people can tell!)—then announce your name.

A simple, “Hello. This is Joe,” will immediately confirm to the recruiter they’ve reached the right person and set the stage for a pleasant exchange.

Express Gratitude And Enthusiasm

Woman talks to an interviewer on the phone

Over the phone, your voice, tone, and attitude are the sole criteria available to the recruiter in these initial moments. This is the opportunity you were waiting for, so be happy about it. Regardless of the busy scenario you’re caught up in, if you had a second to answer the phone, then you have a second to ensure your tone is positive.

Continue to build on your pleasant-sounding foundation. Say, “Thanks so much for calling. I was hoping I’d hear from you. I’ve been really excited about this opportunity since I first came across it.”

Speak The Truth (Or Something Like It)

Man talks to an interviewer on the phone

Clarify that you can’t talk right now, but don’t overshare. When you call someone at work who can’t speak right now, their administrative assistant says, “She’s in a meeting at the present moment,” regardless of what the case actually is because it really doesn’t matter. Maintain the same level of professionalism—no need to say you’re two minutes from completing your 10-minute mile on the treadmill. Your objective is to politely and firmly end the current call.

Demonstrate your professionalism and initiative by setting up the next call. It’s like a date. When you ask someone out, if the response is, “No, I can’t,” then you have to wonder if that means no forever or just no to that particular day. Either way, not a good feeling. But if the response is, “I can’t on Tuesday. How about Thursday?” then you have something definite to go on. Apply the same concept to the conversation with the recruiter. Say, “I need to be in a quieter place in order to focus. May I return your call in one hour?”

Phone interviews can be nerve-wracking, especially when you’re caught off guard. The next time an interviewer calls you at a bad time, remember these three things. You’ll be sure to leave a great first impression and successfully avoid an awkward phone call.

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