7 Ways to Effectively Compete at Work

These days, jobs are scarce and workers high. As a result, your ability to effectively compete at work can affect your chances of getting a raise and promotion. Learn how to make yourself standout from other employees and gain the recognition you need to build a good career.

1. Be prompt.
Avoid being late to work or with any assignments. Your ability to be prompt will get the attention of your boss. He will see you as a key player in a pool of "flakes". Then, when he's looking around for someone to take on a new position, you'll pop up in his mind.

2. Support your boss.
Effectively compete at work by supporting your boss. By showing your loyalty to him, he will see you have his back and return the favor. So, keep your criticism on the low and praise high.

3. Help other employees.
Use your skill not only to impress your superiors, but also to help fellow employees. This not only will get you camaraderie, but also show you're a team player. Both will help you create a good career.

4. Learn a new program.
What computer program at work do few of your peers understand how to manipulate? Effectively compete at work by mastering this technology. Your skill will secure your job and turn you into an expert.

5. Keep up with your work.
Don't be a hare in your approach to work, be a tortoise. Stay on top of tasks throughout the day. Even if you always turn your work in on time, the stress you inflict on others (like your boss) leading up to the finale is a turn off.

6. Participate in special projects.
The quickest way to get noticed by the leadership at your job and effectively compete against peers is to participate in special projects. Special projects show your level of commitment to the company and ability to do complicated work.

7. Set appropriate boundaries with co-workers.
Keep work relationships appropriate. People who have reached the top of their field will let you know that inappropriate ones involving sex, money and other "touchy" subjects often end in disaster. So stay professional and treat everyone with respect.

These 7 tips will help you effectively compete at work. Your efforts to impress the boss will no longer be unseen and worthless. Instead, you will shine brightly because you display the kind of characteristics that every company wants in an employee.