You’ve been at your company for a few years- now what? If you’re like most people you’re thinking, “time for a promotion!” After being in the same position for an extended period of time, employees tend to grow restless and are eager to climb the corporate ladder.

In order to earn a promotion, you need to go above and beyond to separate yourself from the herd of people competing for the same position. Follow these tips to knock your boss’ socks off:

1. Be enthusiastic about your work.

You can’t expect other people to care about your work if you don’t. No matter what you’re working on – big or small, exciting or unbelievably dull – give it your all and do it with a smile on your face!  When someone is passionate about what they do, it’s easy to see. The more passionate you are, the better your work will be, and the more impressed your manager will be.

2. Ask for feedback.

Everyone has heard the expression, “It’s only a mistake if you don’t learn from it.” Without feedback you could be making the same mistake over and over again and not even know it. In order to correct your blunders and learn from them, you need to know what they are. Set up regular feedback meetings with your manager to discuss your progress at work. This will give you an opportunity to ask your manager about what you’re doing that’s great, what’s not so great, and what you could improve on. Welcome this constructive criticism so that you can create a plan of action to improve your skills.  Not only will this improve the quality of your work, but also it will show your manager that you are dedicated to developing professionally.

3. Allow yourself to grow.

If you want to climb the corporate ladder, be sure to bring something unique to the table. Whether you go back to school to get your master’s, take classes at a comedy club to become more charismatic or take a theater course to help you feel comfortable speaking in public – do something to grow professionally. If there are five other people competing for the same promotion as you, develop a special skill set that none of them have!

4. Be the go-to person.

There’s always that one person in the office that people turn to when they need assistance, have a question, or want advice. The best way to get your manager to notice you is to become that person. When someone is brainstorming ideas for a new project, offer to bounce ideas off of each other.  When your manager is stressing out about a huge report, volunteer to proofread it.  When a coworker is swamped with work, ask if there is anything they need help with. Your manager will take notice of your willingness to help.

5. Sweat the details.

Many people focus on the big picture and tend to overlook the small details. Take the time to consider elements that nobody else has even thought about. Your analytical thinking and extreme attention to detail will impress your manager. They will be more likely to consider you for a promotion if they know they can trust you to thoroughly think through various situations and come up with a calculated solution to any problem that arises.

6. Treat everyone with respect.

You don’t have to like everyone you work with, but you do need to respect everyone. It doesn’t matter if someone is the CEO or a summer intern – they are all a part of your team. If you expect others to respect you, you need to give everyone the respect that they deserve.

7. Go the extra mile.

Your manager expects you to show up to work on time and do your job. If you want to knock their socks off you’re going to have to step up your game! There are countless ways you can show your manager that you are an exemplary employee.  Show up to work ten minutes early. It is a seemingly simple gesture, but it shows your manager that you are enthusiastic about work. Even something as effortless as sending a handwritten thank you note instead of an e-mail shows that you are genuinely grateful – and thoughtful! Instead of procrastinating, get a head start on that project so you can turn it in a few days early.

We’d love to hear from you.  What did you do to get promoted?  Share your tips below, or tweet us @JBTSolutions: https://twitter.com/JBTSolutions