Everyone can use some career advancement advice. How do you perform at your best? How do you get promoted? How do you make it to the next level and impress your boss?

My answer: you do the little things you don’t think matter that much.



It’s what you do everyday, and how you do it, that makes you successful. Your goal, every day, is to become the go-to person in your organization.

This isn’t a list of fluffy BS like “don’t gossip,” “come to work early,” “be a team player,” “always meet deadlines,” etc. And that’s why I’m happy to share these 10 career advancement techniques that I’ve personally used to get the attention of senior-level executives.

As a result, I have been given opportunities that many other employees don’t get until they have been with a company for years.

Let’s jump right in…

Secret No. 1: Know Which Tasks Are Important

Communicate with your boss on priorities! Tell your boss, “I am going to do A, B, and C in this order. Has anything come up that you would like me to start working on now, or is there something on the list that you would like me to do first?”

This is more effective then saying, “What would you like me to do today?” You did all the hard work. Now all your boss has to say is “yes” or “no.”

What you think is important and what your boss thinks is important are two different things. This will also help you avoid your boss impatiently asking for something on your to-do list… that you haven’t started yet.

Secret No. 2: Don’t Rush Through Projects, Tasks and Emails

Proofread. Every email that you send to clients and even your boss should be error-free.

Write presentations early so you can review them with fresh eyes. You will be shocked how many errors you catch. Be known for creating quality work and your boss will want you to work on the most important projects.

These sound very silly, but they are more important than you think. Your boss is responsible for all the work you produce and if your work is sloppy, you make your boss look sloppy.

Secret No. 3: Be Personable and Likeable

Be friendly. Say Hello.

Smile when people pass by, say, “Hello, (name).” People love the sound of their own name. It’s amazing how many people don’t say a simple “hello” to their coworkers or even the CEO!

Being likeable will always get you the benefit of the doubt. If you make a mistake they will cut you a break because they like you. It also keeps you top of mind.

Secret No. 4: Keep Track of Your Accomplishments at Work

If your boss asked you, “What the hell have you been doing today?” Would you have a list to read to him or her?

Create a Word document or an Evernote notebook. If you have to email the list, it will take you less then a minute. Your boss is going to ask you to do a lot of things that aren’t on your to-do list. Anything that takes you more then 15 minutes should be on that list. Four small 15-minute tasks equal an hour!

If you are unsure if you need to complete a new assignment ASAP, simply ask your boss, “Should I do this before (project)?” Trust me, your boss will be happy that you asked. This will allow you to account for your time and you will feel great about how much you accomplished.

Secret No. 5: Ask for Help (and Clarification)



Asking questions about the assignment one hour before a project is due is not the right time…

When your boss gives you an assignment that has vague directions make sure to ask questions. Say, “I just want to clarify that these are the main goals of the project.”

If you get stuck half way through the project, or are not sure if you are on the right track, ask your boss, “Do you have a minute to take a look at this. I started working on the project and I just want to make sure I’m on the right track.”

Secret No. 6: Share Helpful Industry News and Trends

Pass along interesting industry articles and tell your boss how your team can apply them.

Setup RSS feeds for interesting industry blogs and general industry publications. When you read the article think in your head, think to yourself, “How can our company or team apply this?” Even if your idea isn’t perfect, your boss will appreciate the effort.

Start by sending one article a month and see how your boss or team reacts. Then move to 2-3 times a month. Do not send more than one a week! Be prepared to execute the idea you proposed if your boss likes the idea. It could be similar to an article you would share with your professional network.

Secret No. 7: Dress for Success

Don’t show up to work looking like you just rolled out of bed. Dress a little nicer than the recommended dress code.

Executives, clients and potential mentors can show up at your office at anytime; you never know who is going to walk into the office. You also don’t want to turn down networking opportunities that come up after work because you aren’t dressed appropriately.

Besides, you will feel more confident about yourself… a good thing!

Secret No. 8: Keep Your Personal Life… Personal



Put away your cell phone. Set a designated time to check your phone and make sure your friends know. A text here and there is okay, but constantly texting or posting on social media is a sure way to make your boss angry.

If you are waiting for an important phone call because a family member is in the hospital or another reason, just give your boss the heads up, especially if you might have to leave. Bosses are very understanding in these situations if you’re upfront with them.

Secret No. 9: Ask Your Boss If They Need Help Before You Leave

Every day, before you leave for the day, check in with your boss.

Fifteen minutes before you’re getting ready to leave say, “I’m starting to wrap it up, is there anything else I can help you with?” The best part is that 99 percent of the time your boss will say “no,” but they will always remember that you asked. You’re also showing your boss you want to help them get out of the office. (It will also help you with the next tip…)

Secret No. 10: Plan Tomorrow Before You Leave Today



Every day, plan tomorrow. Spend the 10-15 minutes before you leave getting organized.

This will allow you to get started right away when you arrive at work and give you an advantage over all your co-workers who show up to work and have no idea where to start. The best part: you will have peace of mind once you leave the office. Your mind won’t be racing about all the things you have to do tomorrow.

Bonus Secret: Attend Networking Events

Network and connect with industry professionals. Join industry-related professional associations (if they cost money, ask your company if they will reimburse you). Most importantly go to industry networking events and tell industry professionals your rock start career story to enhance your personal brand.

Having a strong network gives you options in your career. Instead of having to look for jobs on job boards, people will be coming to you with opportunities. Also, don’t forget to write a networking-follow-up-email.

Now take this new-found knowledge and USE IT to grow your career. And let us know how you’re doing… in the comments below!

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For this post, YouTern thanks our friends at Start Networking Today!

About the Author: John Muscarello is the founder of Start Networking Today, a website that teaches recent graduates and young professionals how to network and advance their career. John breaks down networking and career advancement techniques he has used into simple actionable steps to help young professionals achieve career success. Connect with John on Twitter!