Regardless of whether you’re working your first job or you’re a seasoned professional, it can be difficult to get what you want out of your career. If you’re struggling to get what you want at work—from making your boss notice you to earning a promotion—here are some ways to remedy the situation.
1. Ask for feedback
Utilize your coworkers and your higher-ups by occasionally asking them for feedback on your performance. After a big project, for example, you can inquire about what you did well and what you could change in the future. People will notice that you’re trying to learn and grow, and they will be impressed. Plus, if you really take their suggestions to heart, your work can only improve.
Don’t shy away from asking questions in general, either. According to Heather Huhman, founder and president of Come Recommended, you should never be embarrassed when you’re confused about something.
“Employers would rather you ask a question than [have] you trying to figure out a problem for a couple of hours that could have been resolved in a couple of minutes,” says Huhman. “Questions show you are willing to learn and want to do the best job you can. Don’t be ashamed of them—embrace them!”
There’s no need to apologize for asking questions. Be confident, and your boss will respect you for it.
Related: 5 Small Acts That Make a Big Impact On the Job
2. Be assertive
Sometimes, the only way to get what you want is to ask for it. Your boss isn’t a mind reader, so speak up! Again, don’t do this in an apologetic way—it will only make you seem less credible. Be confident in your thoughts and opinions, as well as in the quality of your work.
“The easiest way to get what you want at work is to tell your superior,” says Brie Davis, a freshman at Ryerson University. “I hold an internship and part-time job and both of my bosses always [say], ‘If you want to do something in this company, tell us.’ They won’t know what you want, or at least know for sure unless you tell them. If it doesn’t work right away, keep showing you’re worthy of whatever you want, but this way now your superiors have the knowledge of what you’re working for.”
Huhman agrees—she believes that you have to create opportunities for yourself. “If you want the lead on that project, don’t expect it to be handed to you,” she says. “Try shooting your boss an email on how a certain task was challenging, what you did to fix the problem and why you would be a great candidate for this new task. This way, you are credited for the work you’ve done, finally being seen and displaying the worth you bring to the company.”
It may seem intimidating at first, but being able to take initiative is a skill that will benefit you for the rest of your career!
3. Be an exemplary employee
As frustrating as work can get, the little things do not go unnoticed. Be sure to always set an example from day to day. If it helps, you should act as if your boss is constantly watching.
“Do your job well and go the extra mile,” says Krystal Douglas, a junior at Georgia State University. “Speak to your boss when you see them and remain pleasant. Even if they don’t express it right away or at all, trust that they do notice who is a hard worker.”
Huhman suggests making “confidence goals” for yourself. “Make a checklist of what you want to achieve, like speaking at least once in a meeting, taking the lead on a new project, etc.,” she says. “Once you complete the list, the tasks that once seemed difficult to you before are now easy, and you can make new ones as time goes on!”
We love this idea. Make sure to put your goals somewhere you will see them every day. Try writing them on sticky notes and placing the notes on your mirror. You can also jot your goals down in your planner or even in your phone.
4. Practice respect
You should act maturely around your coworkers. People talk, and the last thing you want is your business getting spread around the workplace. Try not to delve too deeply into your personal life, and always keep conversations professional. After all, you’ll be spending time with these people in the office every day for the foreseeable future.
Related: 11 Things You Should Never Talk About With Your Coworkers
Also, remember the golden rule: Treat others the way you’d want to be treated. “When you voice your beliefs, ask [others] what their opinions of the situation are and genuinely listen,” says Huhman. “This will not only make you appear self-confident, but also open-minded.”
Respect is a big deal when it comes to your career. You never know when you’ll run into an old coworker or boss, and in what capacity.
5. Believe in yourself
Confidence is key as well. If you don’t believe in yourself, why would anyone else? If you feel that you deserve a promotion, the lead on a project, or any other kind of recognition, and you work hard to achieve your goal, others will notice. Don’t shy away from success.
“Many women suffer [from] what we call the ‘imposter syndrome,’” explains Huhman. “When we are working, women constantly feel we are under-qualified or not good enough. On top of that, if we are successful, we usually won’t take credit for it and give the credit to someone else for teaching us, or say we just got lucky. My advice is to always remember: You are successful because of yourself.”
Be a go-getter and chase after what you want. If you don’t stick up for you, who will?
6. Follow your instincts
Finally, go with your gut. If something at work doesn’t feel right, know that there are always other possibilities. Don’t quit just because the atmosphere is tough, but if you feel you’ve exhausted your options, maybe it’s time to find a better fit.
“As far as promotion, the best policy is to be straightforward,” says Krystal. “Inquire about the next step to get promoted. The worst your boss can say is no, and if you’re not growing anymore in the workplace, don’t be afraid to find another space to evolve in!”
Huhman suggests that you “give everything you do a fair chance, because once you get the hang of things, you might end up loving it. However, if you’re finally comfortable with the work you’re doing and know in your gut this isn’t right for you, that’s when you know it’s time to move on.”
There is a difference between the work being difficult and a job not being right for you. Give yourself time to adjust to new experiences. If you reach a roadblock, don’t give up without looking for multiple solutions. But above all, do follow your instincts in the workplace.
Getting what you want at work doesn’t have to be a struggle. If you stick up for yourself and prove that you deserve to be noticed, you’ll be seeing changes in no time!
Like Huhman says, “If you want something, don’t be afraid to go for it! The worst thing that can happen is you won’t get it, but whether you make the failure a permanent failure or a valuable lesson that leads to a future success completely lies in your hands.”
Work isn’t always easy, but you can make it feel worth it by asserting yourself in order to get what you want.