How to Please Your Boss With Good Work Habits

Don't let the clock dictate your work hours.

No matter what your job or what company you work for, your boss has a big role to play in the success of your career. Impressing your boss can get you noticed at the office and put you in line for promotions and raises. Working hard and excelling at your job is the best way to get the recognition you deserve, no matter what you do for a living or which industry you work in.

Instructions

1. Arrive at work at least half an hour before your scheduled start time. If your boss typically starts early, be at your desk at least 15 to 30 minutes before your boss gets to the office. Start working immediately and allow your boss to see you hard at work in your cubicle or office when he arrives.

2. Stay at the office after your typical quitting time, preferably until your boss departs for the day. Before you leave each night, ask if there is anything else he needs from you. Offer to help with any upcoming projects or deadlines.

3. Ask your supervisor for advice on continuing education that could help your career. This continuing education does not have to be expensive. You can take online courses or free courses offered by your employer. Ask your boss about the tuition reimbursement program, if the company offers one. Trying to improve your skills shows that you are committed to the company for the long term, and improving your skill set can make you eligible for promotions and other opportunities down the road.

4. Offer to sit in for your boss at meetings he is unable to attend. If he is planning a vacation or business trip, offer to take on some of his duties until he returns. Go over those duties with your boss and learn as much as you can about what he does each day.

5. Ask about projects in the company that might suit your skills and experience. Focus on those projects that others are avoiding, and do the best job you possibly can. Offering to take on unpopular projects shows initiative and demonstrates your dedication to your job and the company.

6. Keep a positive attitude, both in your personal life and at work. It can be hard to stay positive, especially in the face of ongoing layoffs, but your attitude plays a big role in the perception your boss has of you. As "Fortune" columnist Anne Fisher points out in her 10-point survival guide, a pessimistic attitude makes it hard for people to work with you, and that can spell bad news for your career.

7. Update your skills whenever and wherever you can. Ask your manager for advice on which skills are most needed in the company, and focus your efforts on gaining those skills. Fisher's survival guide also points out that updating your skills can make it easier to land another job if the company you work for begins downsizing.

References

• "Fortune"; A 10-Point Survival Guide to Keep Your Job; Anne Fisher, January 2009
• Southwestern University: My First Job Survival Guide