“What can I get better at my job?”

Succeeding at work takes knowledge, skills, a commitment to ongoing learning, and a healthy dose of job smarts. Mastering these elements can help you keep your job—even in challenging times. It can also prepare you for change, help you get promotions, and make your work meaningful and rewarding.

Having the right knowledge and skills can get you hired, but you need to keep on learning if you want to succeed. Define your goals, research your learning options, and make a plan for ongoing upskilling to build or expand your existing skills.

Finding and working with a mentor can help you find your best learning path. But it’s also important to be job smart. That means following the rules, understanding your workplace culture, and doing what’s expected of you.

Being job smart also means:

• having a positive attitude
  • Be friendly, respectful, supportive, cooperative, enthusiastic, flexible, open-minded, and willing to learn from your mistakes.
• respecting the job
  • Be prepared, responsible, and productive. Show up on time, dress appropriately, work safely, and do your best.
• being a team player
  • Communicate authentically, share information freely, and respect diversity. Be willing to take on tasks even when they’re not your job. Help your co-workers when you can, and know how to ask for help when you need it.
• keeping your work rewarding
  • Learn how to overcome challenges, deal with people problems, and make your work more meaningful. Use career laddering to evaluate your situation if you’re feeling frustrated or bored.
• positioning yourself as a valued employee
  • Help yourself by helping your employer succeed. Be proactive and dependable, and learn skills that help you stand out.

What would you like to know?

An alis staff member will review your question and respond via email. If it’s something that can help others look for work, explore careers, or succeed on the job, a version of your question and answer may even be added to the site.