With the growing number of people who are out of work due to the economy and recession, it is a thought on the minds of many as to whether they will still be employed tomorrow or will they also receive a pink slip. Although job positions seem to be decreasing in some arenas, companies still need to get the job done and need willing and able workers. The question is “Who will they keep?” To stay in the competition, employees need to have a competitive edge in the job market. Here are five ways to stand out at your job.
1. Leadership Skills
Leadership is one of the most fundamental skills that sets you aside from the crowd. Most people are followers and if you have the ability to lead others and take the initiative to get things done, you will automatically stand out as a gem at your job.
2. Go the Extra Mile
Just as most people are followers, most people will also not bother to go the extra mile for various reasons. Some will not because they simply feel it is not their job. Others feel as if their extra efforts go unrewarded. Still others will say they are not getting paid for anything extra. Just remember, you will at some point get rewarded for going the extra mile.
3. Be Positive
Being positive can be contagious and also makes others around you feel better about their jobs, their day and their various situations. It is very easy to go to work and complain about everything that is wrong with your company. If you instead make an effort to be upbeat and positive, you will stand out as someone who “makes lemonade when life throws them lemons.”
4. Competency
While many employees are doing just enough to get by and sometimes barely know what they are doing, you can stand out by being better than the rest. Practice excellency, improve on what you know, take extra courses and be the best at what you do and you will, once again, shine in the workplace.
5. Team Playing
Last, but not least, remember that your job is not all about you. Everyone is working together to achieve an overall goal for the company. Everyone may not want to be a team player, but that does not stop you from being a team player. Pitch in and help out in whatever way you can and you will stand out on top.
It is important in this recession to be in the best shape possible. If and when the time comes for promotion or other company changes, you will have the best chance at surviving the pink slips and getting promoted if you’ve worked on these critical skills to standing out in the workplace.
