Last month, I received an email from Amy Klimik. She felt that her content would resonate with my readers and graciously asked to be a guest contributor. Amy is an experienced HR recruiter and VP of Human Resources for ZipRecruiter. For Amy, corporate culture isn’t about dogs and free lunches, it’s about empowering employees and creating an enriching environment for people to excel. Here is her post:
Did you get passed over for that last promotion? Are your yearly job performance evaluations sluggish and mediocre? The way you present yourself in the workplace is the key to success in your chosen field. Don’t settle for a middle-of-the-road approach to job satisfaction. Enhance your opportunity for advancement and your salary by considering the following:
Do You Resent Criticism?
Make the most of feedback. Don’t let your supervisor’s critique of a project stand in the way of your success. Accept the feedback, and think of it as a way to advance your plan. Feedback is meant to improve the end result, so look at your work again, and make use of the suggestions for improvement. Let your supervisor know that you appreciate the feedback. When you turn in the new and improved version of the project, pat yourself on the back for taking what could have been a negative experience and turning it into a positive one.
Are You Disorganized and Easily Distracted?
Set priorities and stick to them. A key to success in the workplace is knowing how to set priorities. Tasks can pile up during the day, and the ability to organize those tasks in order of significance is important. Although multi-tasking is a buzz word that is usually perceived as a positive thing, it can also get out of hand. Make a list of the imperative assignments each day, and get them done. Deadlines are important. Don’t miss them!
Are You Negative and Prone to Complaining?
Have a positive attitude at work. Resist the temptation to indulge in office gossip and griping. Successful people know how quickly those habits can backfire. When promotions open up in a company, candidates for the job are scrutinized not only for job performance, but also for personality traits that indicate the ability to be a team player. If you have a complaint or concern about a policy or co-worker, take it to the human resource department or your supervisor. Voicing your complaints in the break room is frowned upon by management, and won’t help your chances of landing a promotion when it comes along.
Do You Keep Your Skills Sharp and Current?
Don’t let new technology inhibit you. If your company offers in-service training classes, take them. Ask questions and find out how all of the departments in your company fit together to make the business run smoothly. Don’t be afraid to approach management and ask what you can do to increase your chances to be considered for a promotion.
Do People Notice You?
Take any opportunity you can to make a positive impact on your coworkers. Offer a helping hand to help someone meet a deadline, or polish their PowerPoint presentation. Network with people in other departments and pick their brains to become familiar with all aspects of the work they do. If your boss asks for your opinion or input on a project, put your best foot forward, and be sure your answer is one that exemplifies your knowledge and expertise. Be visible, cooperative, and willing to go the extra mile to be recognized as a team player and vital member of the team.
If you want to excel in your career, be creative in how you promote yourself, and your skills. Work through lunch from time to time, and give up a coffee break to meet an important deadline. Cross training in different departments will help assure job security and make you more valuable to the company. Be proactive. Anticipate the needs of the company, and be willing to work toward company goals and objectives. You are the only one who can assure success in your career. If you set your sights on accomplishing your career goals, you can make it happen. What are you waiting for? Get started today!
