Raise? Promotion? If you’re gunning for one or both, the real answer lies in just being a value employee. If the management sees that your performance is sky high, there’s no reason for them not to promote you, or give you a bonus or a raise. Or deny you one if you ask for it (this, I reserve for another post).

Here are some tips on making yourself your company’s prize employee.

• Know how your performance evaluation scheme works

  Most companies usually have performance reviews promotions and raises. While putting work output in terms of numbers is idiotic in my book, many companies still go by these methods. So know the areas in which you will be graded. These can be work output, attendance, attitude, and a few other points. Knowing these would aid you in creating a plan to make sure your numbers go up.

• Do more than what is expected

  Regardless of schemes, giving that little extra goes a long way. Sure . A word of caution though, make sure that you don’t step on other people’s responsibilities. If in doubt, ask permission from your supervisor.

• Do what your boss wants done

  Sad to say but results only matter when your higher ups approve of them. And usually they want it done their way. Even if your boss is an idiot, try to be on his/her good side first by doing things his/her way. Be patient. This way, when you have earned the boss’ approval, you can make suggestions and sound arguments without being disrespectful in his/her eyes.

• Make sure the boss knows what you have done

  Hey, it’s the supervisor or boss who gives you the points so make sure they know what you accomplish. Even if you’ve practically worked you butt off, if they don’t know that you’ve done your best work, these wouldn’t get you points on the board. So make sure they do.

• Be a team player

  Some companies consider peer evaluation too. But even if your review scheme doesn’t, managers know who their team players are. Workplaces love team players. So if you can’t really mix with people well, how can they trust you in giving you a larger responsibility or even place people in your care. In workplaces, no person is really an island. Well, except perhaps the chief executive. Hehe.

• Make decisions within your capacity

  Always deferring to your boss makes you appear a bit weak-willed at times. So it wouldn’t hurt to make sound decisions within your capacity and authority. Just let them know about your decisions. Be sure to be able to back your decision up. Again, be careful not to overstep policies and responsibilities.

• Do your home work

  Good employees are always one step ahead. Knowing the current trends in your field gives off the impression that you really are serious about your career. And promotions are always given to those who want to grow.

However, despite giving the extra oomph to your job, make sure to play it wise. You don’t want to overexert yourself to the point that it harms your well-being. If you’re working more than twelve hours a day, that’s overkill. No promotion or raise will do you any good if you burnout. Or being a suck-up or a doormat for that matter.