Do you sometimes feel like the invisible man on the job? You are carrying a huge workload and

putting in more than 40 hours a week, with contributions that go right to the bottom line. But

when it is time for a promotion, you are passed by for a position for which you are more than

qualified.

Getting noticed by your boss and positioning yourself for the next career step is a critical

component to successful career planning. It is not enough to just do the work, if doing the work

doesn’t move you towards your goal.

So how can you make sure your contributions are recognized?

––First, know where you want to go. Being unhappy where you are and knowing where you

want to go are two entirely different things. The old adage, "you can’t hit a target you can’t see"

is absolutely on point.

––Create a brag box or book or folder. Every time you have successfully completed a project that

resulted in an atta boy from your boss or a testimonial from a satisfied customer, throw it into

your brag box. This information is priceless when it is time to update your resume or prepare for

your performance evaluation.

––At the conclusion of your project or upon reaching a corporate objective, take a few moments

to write down the highlights. Frame it in C–A–R – challenge, action, result – and make it

detailed and measurable.

––Offer to help in other areas, particularly if it will allow you to get exposure to the people and

requirements of a department or division you’re targeting. The best way to sell yourself is

through warm referrals who can speak to your ability to do the job.

––Finally, seek out a mentor. The value to both of you is immeasurable – it looks great on his or

her resume and you now have a COI as a cheerleader.

What small step you can take today to position yourself to get noticed? Do it. That way, you will

be ready when the next opportunity comes your way!

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