No matter how boring or thankless your job is, you can use it as a springboard to a promotion or a more fulfilling position. Erin Burt, writing for Kiplinger.com, offers six strategies to revitalize your career prospects, no matter how long you’ve been on the job.
1. Get a mentor. Some workplaces arrange formal mentoring relationships between young hires and seasoned executives. But if yours doesn’t, it pays to seek out an informal one.
2. Renegotiate your job description. You may have your set responsibilities, but you should always be on the lookout for opportunities to shine. Going above and beyond your mundane entry-level tasks can demonstrate your untapped talents and show your boss you’re not afraid to take initiative.
3. Hitch to a rising star. Odds are your office has a rising star: a boss or colleague who is seen as an up-and-comer. “Rising stars tend to take people with them,” Nemko says. Ask to work on a project with that person, then gain his or her trust and respect.
4. Volunteer for projects. Don’t wait for tasks to be assigned to you. Your boss will respect your being proactive. Keep an eye out for projects that let you showcase an untapped ability or learn something new — even if it’s not in the realm of your job description
5. Open your mouth. From day one on the job, you should make it clear to your boss that you’re interested in advancing within the company. A great time to reiterate your ambitions is in your annual review.
6. Pay attention to your appearance and attitude. If you want people to take you seriously, you have to dress the part. Be mindful of your attitude and how you come across, too. Confident and cheerful is a winning combination in the workplace. Pessimistic and angry? Not so much.