Be Enthusiastic About Your Career

If you watched the recent Academy Awards, you got to see enthusiasm up close and personal in the form of acceptance speeches. The smiles, the tears, the laughter--all reflective of the heart and soul poured into a career. What would make you gush about your job in the same way? What would it take to get that feeling?

Think about ways in which you can muster the same kind of enthusiasm for your career as the actors, actresses, directors, and producers who won awards.

• Look for ways to project enthusiasm through your attitude, smile, and personality.
• Surround yourself with upbeat people.
• Find ways to enjoy your work--no matter what it is.
• Embrace your work and workplace with an open mind and flexibility.
• Create passion in all you do and say.
• Excite others about what you do and how you do it.
• Rejuvenate yourself when your enthusiasm wanes. Take time to have fun, enjoy time with friends, and appreciate your past accomplishments.

Let your enthusiasm show with your excited voice, winning smile, and zest for life.

Spring is Here--Spruce Up Your Career

Winter officially ends this weekend. I can honestly say I am happy to see spring coming. Many people get the urge at this time of year to do spring cleaning and clear out the old clutter and dirt from winter. Now might be a good time to do some spring cleaning at work, too, and get your career in shape for spring. Consider the following tips to spruce up your career:

• Sit down with your supervisor and discuss ways you can become more of an asset to your company. Ask for feedback on your performance.
• Think about ways you can positively set yourself apart from coworkers by performing your tasks better, updating your skills, offering solutions to problems, etc.
• Look for ways you can add value to your company by saving money or time or by increasing profits or productivity.
• Keep up with industry news and developments in your field.
• Take a class or attend a seminar.
• Find ways to get along with everyone in the office, including those hard-to-deal-with coworkers.

A little spring cleaning can go a long way to improving your career.

Turn Your Ideas Into Career Success

If one of your goals is to have a successful career, take steps to assure your success by positively contributing to your company. Become an idea person.

• Don't sit back and wait for other people to come up with ideas. Contribute some of your own. Make suggestions for saving the company time and money.
• Become more proficient at your tasks. Increase your skills.
• Whenever you encounter a problem, brainstorm to come up with solutions.
• Listen to coworkers' ideas.
• Share ideas and tips with your supervisor, coworkers, and clients.
• Become a contributing member of the team.

Because there are a number of variables that affect the implementation of ideas, do not become discouraged if your ideas or suggestions are not accepted. Keep those ideas coming.

Add Learning Something New to Your Goals

It is important to stimulate your mind by learning new things. You can learn in formal and informal situations. The idea is to continue to stretch and grow professionally and personally. Try these ideas:

• In meetings concentrate on information related to your position and duties. Think of ways to apply the information to what you do. Ask questions and contribute ideas.
• Be open-minded when others propose ideas, even if the ideas do not pertain to what you do. You never know when a variation of the idea can help you do your job better.
• Listen to coworkers who have more experience that you do. Ask appropriate questions.
• Attend professional conventions, meetings, and conferences.
• Research your industry online to keep up to date with the latest developments.
• Read newspapers and newsletters. Keep up with the news.
• Learn as much as you can about your company and its products and services.

To optimize career success and grow and develop professionally, continuously learn as much as you can.

Make Yourself Indispensable to Your Employer

Make yourself indispensable to your employer by going the extra mile. Take a tip from these tips:

• Volunteer to do something extra
• Be accountable for your actions
• Be flexible
• Show up for work everyday and be punctual
• Look for ways to save the company time and money
• Get along with coworkers, supervisors, and customers
• Do your best work; be quality conscious
• Avoid gossip and the rumor mill
• Ask, "How can I help?"

A little extra effort can go a long way towards boosting your career to the next level.

Find a Job You Will Like

You can do a few easy things to ensure you will like your job and the work you will be doing.

• Decide the industry you would most like to work in and the type of work you would like to do
• Assess your skills and training to determine if they fit the position; if not, acquire the training
• Write a resume tailored to the company for which you would like to work and the type of position you want
• Network
• Polish your professional image
• Practice interviewing skills

By matching yourself and your skills to a position, you are more likely to enjoy your job and find workplace success.

Top Ten Job Tips

Here are my top ten job hunting tips.

• Network--tell everyone you know that you are looking for a job.
• Use a modern resume format that makes your achievements stand out.
• Focus your resume on the job for which you are applying--customize.
• Research companies before the interview--check their websites.
• Be prepared--practice interviewing with a friend.
• Focus on jobs that are appropriate for you rather than applying to everything.
• Continue to learn and grow professionally.
• Embrace technology--update your skills.
• Work on keeping a healthy body and mind.
• Dress for success.

Putting forth extra effort can pay off in big dividends with the right job for you.