Beyond Your Job Description
Good employees always complete their assigned tasks and duties on time and do them thoroughly. The work they present is up to the standard their boss expects. However, doing the minimum does not advance a good employee’s career.
What should you do to level-up? What does it take to become an exceptional employee? Going beyond your expected job responsibilities paves the way for advancing your career. Whether you’re looking to move up in your current office or want a strong recommendation for another position elsewhere, here are some ways you can become an exceptional employee.
An exceptional employee has a two-job mindset.
Your first job is the one you were hired to do. The second job you decide for yourself.
As an exceptional employee, you'll look for ways you can help different departments or people around you, even if you do not normally interact with each other. You'll help others with projects or tasks that you otherwise might not have done if you had not asked. By doing this, you demonstrate your commitment to the organization, company, or office.
Exceptional employees are those who demonstrate that they are dynamic, collaborative members in the workplace.
An exceptional employee is open to developing new skills.
You were hired because you have the necessary skills and qualifications to complete the basic description on the job application. Take it a step further.
As an exceptional employee, you'll take initiative by challenging yourself to develop new skills, even if they are difficult and take a long time to learn.
Exceptional employees know that stepping out of their comfort zones will not go unnoticed by their boss. Not only is learning new skills indicative of your desire to learn, but demonstrates your commitment to challenge yourself on behalf of the company. Reading a book by an expert in your field or taking extra certification courses are two great examples of going beyond your job description to enhance the work you are assigned to do. This behavior also sets a new standard for who is hired for your current position in the future.
An exceptional employee asks for more responsibilities, but doesn’t drown.
Your boss might be pleased with your performance at work, but they will be impressed if you have a chance to help alleviate their workload. It might not seem like it on the surface, but they can almost always use an extra hand.
As an exceptional employee, you won't be afraid to ask your boss or supervisor for more responsibilities. Perhaps you want more challenging tasks or a larger quantity of the type of work you are already doing. You might even get a chance to work on a higher-ranking project if you simply ask for more work. Asking for more responsibilities is a testament to your diligence at work.
It is important not to overload yourself while you're asking for more work. Know your personal limits and capabilities. Do not take on additional responsibilities if it is going to interfere with your ability to complete your basic job description duties.