When it comes to career advice, it’s always helpful to have multiple perspectives and share different points of view. This is especially true for women. Your career is one of the most important aspects of your life, and playing it smart in this field can greatly improve other areas of your life as well.
Your career path also plays a major role in your ability to achieve your financial goals. When women advance in their jobs, it directly impacts their personal lives and financial standing.
That said, women frequently face a different set of challenges and prejudices in the workforce compared to their male counterparts. That’s why it’s so important to get together and share common experiences and offer career advice to women.
Want to learn how to excel in your job and make beneficial career moves? Here are our top 5 tips to excel in your job.
1. Take the initiative
It doesn’t matter if you work at a tech startup, for corporate, or in a retail store. Employers always want to see that you’re invested in the business’ success. The best way to do this is by taking the initiative.
This means noticing potential problems and offering solutions. It’s about bringing fresh ideas to the table, starting new projects, and helping the business seize new opportunities.
If you have a good idea, don’t be afraid to share it with your boss. If you have a project you want to start, pitch it! The worst thing anyone can say is, “No, this isn’t going to work here,” but they’ll almost always appreciate your effort.
2. Be eager to learn
It doesn’t matter if you’re just starting out in a new career field or if you’ve reached the top of your company. There’s always room to grow and learn. Industries are constantly changing, and technology is accelerating these advancements faster than ever.
Remember to actively listen to what your boss and your co-workers have to say. Consistently seek out feedback, especially when you’re still new. If you have any questions, don’t be afraid to ask someone for help or clarification. Show people that you are open-minded and willing to learn more.
3. Always act professionally
This should go without saying, but you may be surprised by how easy it is to let professionalism slip, especially in high-stress work environments. Even if you feel some of your colleagues are acting out, remember that taking the high road will always pay off in the long run.
It’s utterly impossible to excel in your job if you’re caught up in office gossip or you’re bringing personal emotions into the workspace. Even if you feel as though a customer or coworker isn’t treating you right, you’ll want to calmly communicate your perspective. Show compassion and your superiors should take notice.
Make sure to also read your company’s policies to understand what type of behavior is acceptable and what you can expect.
4. Understand your company’s goals
Being a hard worker and showing dedication to your job is great, but ultimately what matters most is helping your company achieve its goals. It’s important to understand your company’s mission and how your role fits into the larger picture.
Make sure to do your research on your company. Read through their website and speak with colleagues to not only pinpoint your company’s goals but also figure out how you can help reach them.
It makes it easier to excel in your job duties when you know why your work is important. It gives you a purpose, which will make you more focused, committed, and goal-oriented.
Understanding your company’s goals will also help you prioritize tasks. You’ll know which tasks are most important and which ones don’t matter as much. This will help you stay focused and productive even when things seem chaotic.
5. Earn the trust of those around you
Earning the trust of your team members and managers is critical for career success. Trust doesn’t come from one single action, and it isn’t built overnight. It’s about consistently showing up when you’re needed, accomplishing tasks right away, and maintaining a positive attitude.
Part of your job is to meet all of your commitments and obligations. If you agree to do something, work hard to get the job done right. Show your company that you’re capable of delivering excellent results on your own.
Just make sure you don’t take on more than you can handle. If you’re struggling with a project, remember to ask for help. It’s better to communicate openly and honestly than to mislead or disappoint your team.
As you continue to gain trust, you’ll be delegated more and more tasks. You’ll also begin to stand out in the eyes of your bosses and managers. This will put you in a strong position for promotions.
Speaking of promotions, you’ll also have more grounds to ask for a raise. Should you decide to work elsewhere, the trust you built with your soon-to-be-former colleagues can result in networking opportunities and job recommendations.
Become a successful employee
Becoming a successful employee is an ongoing process. It takes time and multiple steps before you’ll really begin to shine.
Think of your career as a ladder. The more effort and dedication you put into your current position, the more you’ll be able to advance to the next steps and take on more responsibilities.
No matter what stage you’re at in your career, it’s important to consult, network, and support other women. Having a female colleague you can trust at your side can be an enormous help as you navigate the workforce. Go out of your comfort zone to meet and connect with other admirable female professionals in your field. You’ll find they can be a great source of trust, advice, and even friendship.
It’s also important to give back. As you meet and network with other successful female leaders, you want to share your knowledge and resources as well. You can do this by being a friend to new female recruits or volunteering your time to help college girls figure out their career paths.
No matter what, always strive to be an active supporter within your network of female professionals!
