10 ways to get noticed by your boss Viewpoint careers advice blog

10 ways to get noticed by your boss Over the years, I have come to realise that getting recognition from your boss is about making yourself an indispensable member of the team a team member who adds value and enthusiasm to the organisation. It’s not just about doing your job well; it’s about going above and beyond the call of duty and showing you are more than capable of doing more. Here are 10 tips to help ensure that you never get overlooked by your boss again: 1. Go above and beyond Go above and beyond the narrow confines of your job description. Investigate relevant teams or projects that excite you (and are in your boss’ interests) and voice your eagerness to get involved. After all, if you don’t ask, you don’t get. Not only will this help you develop your skills, but it will help you get your name out there, and ultimately make it hard for your boss not to notice you. 2. Stay one step ahead Be proactive and stay one step ahead in all that you do. Complete the things you need to do without having to be reminded or chased. Always have the foresight to predict what’s coming next and take the initiative to make the necessary preparations. 3. Don’t let your standards slip â€" even on the small stuff Particularly if you have been working for your organisation for some time, it can be all too easy to slip into sloppy habits. Poor time-keeping or scruffy dressing can very quickly give the impression your heart is elsewhere. Every little thing counts towards someone’s overall perception of you, and it’s important not to let your standards drop. Even if you feel your boss isn’t noticing you, don’t think they won’t spot things like this. 4. The devil is in the detail Putting in the work and getting on with tasks that colleagues forget (or don’t want to do) will help you stand out from the rest, and you will be seen as a reliable and considerate team player by your boss. 5. Shout about your successes Don’t be afraid to blow your own trumpet and shout about your successes. After all, no one will do this for you. If you’ve had a success, make sure your boss and the wider team knows about it. Make sure you are subtle here, and be sure not to rub it in the face of your colleagues. 6. Present only good ideas When a good idea pops into your head, avoid the temptation of running straight to your boss to tell them about it. Take time to consider it fully, reviewing its implications and implementation, and most importantly, how you plan to measure the value it could bring. Before you present it to your boss, think about possible questions and comments they might have, and be ready to tackle them. 7. Invest in your own development Show a long-term commitment to your profession and demonstrate to your boss that you are keen to progress by actively investing in your own development. Put yourself forward for training opportunities and the chance to develop your skills whenever you can. 8. Your attitude matters as much as your aptitude Nothing will bring down your reputation or the morale of your team quicker than negativity. Get yourself into a positive frame of mind. When you see a problem or challenge, before communicating it to your boss, come up with a viable and realistic solution. 9. Stand out in meetings Prepare well for meetings by getting sight of the agenda and delegates in advance. Start to formulate your views, ideas and relevant action points beforehand, so that you are fully armed to stand out in that all important meeting. However, be careful not to fall into the trap of speaking. 10. Seek out, take on board and action feedback When your boss gives you feedback, take it on board and act on it in a tangible way. This will demonstrate that you are serious about your development and respect their views. Above all, it’s about taking ownership of your career, being proactive and taking initiative. Do you have any thoughts or experiences to share? I would welcome your thoughts. Want to progress in your career? Our career progression tips will help you get to where you want to be When is the best time to have a job interview? 5 tips to help you advance to the next level 11 ways to become more productive at work How I coped with relocating 11,000 miles for my new job, twice 6 leadership styles you need to succeed How to help yourself by helping your boss Stop waiting to be recognised 8 ways to fall back in love with your job