Dreamfedjob Tips to get Ahead

HOW TO ASK FOR A PAY RISE

• Do not expect the boss to know what you have done, document it.
• Make a list of all the extra tasks you are doing outside your job description and rank them in order of what your boss views as important.
• Friday afternoon is a good time to ask for a pay rise because the boss can then spend the weekend worrying that you might leave.
• It will also give the boss time to go over your pitch and to work out how she or he will justify your increase to his or her boss.
• Use phrases such as 'I would like you to think about' and 'at an appropriate time'
• If you get bad news, make sure you have a reaction plan ready. You do not want to say something you will regret.

CHANGING JOBS

• Think carefully, research and prepare.
• Job-change challenges to be considered include current and future prospects as well as the need for new and helpful networks.
• Any gaps in training need to be addressed.
• The focus of the resume should be changed to highlight any transferable skills relating to the new job.
• Preparation and practice for an interview will build confidence. Preparing the right answers will impress a new employer.

TACKLING REVIEWS

• A performance review can be a valuable tool for employees to talk about issues in the workplace, such as overtime, workload, culture of the organization and anything else that impacts their role.
• If the relationship between employee and manager is good, then any issue from the workplace can be discussed.
• If the relationship is not good, then be careful as to what you say because you don't want it to be used against you.

GETTING PROMOTED

• To be promoted, you have to be seen as being a leader in your office and/or your field.
• Workers who want to be promoted need to have a strong profile within the organization.
• Don't be invisible.
• Join industry groups within your particular specialty, attend industry events and present at a conference.

BECOME INDISPENSABLE

• The first is flexbility in being a 'yes' person rather than a 'no' person.
• These are people who are inclined to be more embracing of new challenges and doing things that may not be in their job description.
• They might not think it's their job but they are prepared to do it and have a can do attitude.
• People who rely on workers need to have the confidence that when a worker says they'll do something, they'll deliver what is committed to the highest possible standards.
• The ideal employees need to be low-maintenance and not at the door every five minutes complaining about things.

GET MOTIVATED

• Workers need to look internally to see what kinds of variety motivate and stimulate them.
• They need to understand the need that's driving them first to determine the best action to take.
• It may be that they can get their motivation back in the workplace or outside the workplace.
• Employees should look at opportunities to shadow a colleague, take on new projects and/or get involved in a new area of work.
• Also consider a new hobby or activity to spend the weekend, or improving self development through a training course or networking.
• Workers can also assess if they need a greater sense of belonging or competence or something which will bring them new confidence, such as a new job role or project.

ON THE FAST-TRACK

• To fast-track your career, make sure that you are efficient in tasks that will help your manager the most.
• Find out what your manager regards good performance and train constantly in your strengths so you can more effective.
• Take risks and step outside your job role.
• Make sure your actions are regarded constructive, not just attention seeking.
• Identify a well-regarded senior person at work from whom to seek career advice and return the favor by loyalty and respect.
• Be a problem solver, not a problem finder.
• Smile a lot. Others notice and favour happy people.

TAKE A CAREER BREAK

• Volunteering, extended holidays or to take it easy due to work burn-out.
• To raise a career break with your boss, have a clear plan before you go to him/her. Don't be vague.
• Have some solutions to problems your absence may cause. Develop an understudy, identify others who could do your work, or suggest casual or contract recruitment.
• The benefits to the organization may include the saving of your salary, if you're not replaced.
• You return refreshed and with renewed commitment.

GET NOTICED

• Often people underestimate the benefits of networking internally, or within an organization.
• Networking is based on the premise that people buy from people that they like, know and trust.
• Effective networking must consist of developing rapport with people that may result in an exchange of goods, services or information.
• People rarely get promoted just for doing their job. They need to be noticed, too.
• To get ahead in the workplace you need to be noticed for the right reasons.
• Other ideas include to make your boss look good, look the part and stand up and speak up.

WORK SMARTER, NOT LONGER

• Working smart means getting the same results in less time.
• You'll get the most by changing your speed, increasing focus and organizing to do things in parallel.
• You bring your full focus to one task and build momentum until you're producing results like nobody's business.
• Eliminate your major distractions of email, telephone, visitors and yourself for a few hours.
• People are less productive when multi-tasking. We feel busy, but most of that busyness is spent switching from task to task.
• You can find ways to arrange work so many things are happening at once.