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9 tactics to get ahead at work

Are you a go-getter, a do-er? Do you look at the big picture and feel determined to reach your goals? If so, then we want to boost your journey to success, helping with some simple tips to get ahead at work.

Define your success

Success means different things for different people. Some people believe being rich and famous is the definition of success, whilst others have the opinion that making a difference to people’s lives is what success truly is. Ask yourself what it would mean for you to be successful, what goals you have and in what time would you like to achieve them? Once you’ve defined what success means to you, you can then create a plan of action and get to work on achieving those goals.

Dress to impress

Many businesses have updated their dress code to be more casual/smart, reflecting modern times as many offices are not customer facing. However, the way you dress can also affect the way you feel. Dressing smarter can put some people in a more driven professional mind-set. Try dressing smarter to see if it affects your work mind-set.The key is to find what works for you.

Better yourself in your spare time

There is always room for improvement be that professionally or personally. Bettering yourself could mean taking on work-based training in your spare time to help further your career. It could also mean bettering yourself personally by learning a new language, learning a new creative skill such as sewing, or joining a running club, that means you feel more confident in yourself. A happy work-life balance can make a real difference and will reflect in your success at work.

Build relationships

Offer help where you can. If you see someone staying late looking a little under pressure, and you have the capacity to help, see if there is anything you can do. Even if you don’t have the time to specifically help, asking how they are can make them feel less alone – you may have a solution that they hadn’t thought of. Encouraging an environment of mutual support makes for a much more productive and happier workplace.

Be friendly and approachable

Be the person everyone looks forward to seeing each day due to their consistent positivity. Be the friendly face your office needs. It’ll have more of an impact that you think.

Avoid negativity

Don’t get involved in office gossip, especially if the rumours are about one of your team members or your boss. Stay respectful and avoid joining in the conversation. Keep confidential or personal information to yourself.

Make time for downtime

If you’re constantly grafting at work, you are at risk of neglecting yourself and your home life. In order to stay mentally charged, it’s important to rest up and spend quality time with family and friends. This will contribute to a positive energised attitude when you get to work.

Create a portfolio of all your work

By making a note of all your achievements, it’ll help motivate you when times get tough, as well as being a great reference for appraisals and reviews you have. Remember that project you absolutely nailed last year? Its results like that that keeps the fire in your belly.

Set an example for others in your business

Act as if you’re already the person you want to be. Want to be a director in your business? Think about how they would act in themselves and adapt to that mind-set. Create a persona that people look up to and respect. Soon enough it will be noticed and your hard work and determination will pay off.

So there we have it. Be sure to tweet us or write to us on our Facebook and LinkedIn pages to let us know if there are any other tips you think help get ahead at work.

Testimonials

"Their knowledge of the industry, our organisation and candidates is one of the leaders in the market. They have always been able to supply us with the right calibre of engineering candidate no matter what the discipline or regional location is.

"First Recruitment Group’s service delivery has always been to a high standard and the customer service provided by the team has ensured that First Recruitment Group will remain a preferred supplier of engineering personnel to WorleyParsons on our future engineering projects."

WorleyParsons

"In my dealings with First I have found them to be responsive, knowledgeable, quality-focused and engaging in their approach. I would have no hesitation in recommending the services of First Recruitment Group to any prospective customers."

Global Engineering Consultancy

"We have a good working relationship with First Recruitment and they always put every effort in to filling our positions whether it's on a permanent or contract basis. First have an honest and open approach to recruitment and their clients which is refreshing. First offer an excellent payroll service which compliments their overall delivery service to MWH Treatment."

MWH Treatment

“As the biggest services supplier to the nuclear industry our demand for personnel is significant, when I have an urgent requirement I know I can rely on First Recruitment to rise to the challenge.

“As a preferred supplier for temporary labour and a fundamental part of our permanent recruitment process we get the right people at the right time. Whether its highly technical/specialist resources or back office support personnel the approach is to the same high standard.”

Veolia Nuclear Solutions

"It’s great to work with a recruitment agency we trust. The team at First Recruitment Group are friendly and straight talking and they continue to provide an excellent service. We’re proud to still be working with them after 20 years."

Simon Carves Engineering Ltd

"First Recruitment are on the 1st Tier of Sweett Europe’s preferred supplier list. We have found First recruitment to be hugely supportive and value adding partners to Sweett, helping us source a wide range of roles. The consultants at First are hugely knowledgeable and have a real desire to listen to, and understand, our needs. They have shown an unrivalled desire to work on hard to fill roles using innovative methods to ensure they always supply us with CVs.

"I have been hugely impressed by their willingness to support us, even when we have simply been after guidance which would not attract them a fee. I would be more than happy to recommend First Recruitment Group to any prospective organisation, and to discuss in more detail their capabilities."

Sweett Group

“We’ve worked with First Recruitment for over 12 years and have built up a great relationship with their team. They’ve helped us in sourcing contractors for our chemical division, maintaining consistently high standards in delivery, and we hope to continue building on this relationship in the future. I have no hesitation in recommending First to others.”

Haden Freeman Limited

"We have used First Recruitment to support the recruitment of several key roles within our business. The quality of the candidates put forward were extremely high which helped enormously in our ability to fill all roles, also the candidates have all been a success since joining our business. They were prompt, knowledgeable and very professional and made the recruitment process for us extremely simple. The service we have received has been first class and I would highly recommend the services of First Recruitment to any Company looking to fill a vacancy."

Meadow Vale Food Group

“I have worked with First Recruitment frequently over the last couple of years. Their ability to understand our business and support me in terms of recruitment has been excellent. Candidates are screened initially to meet our requirements and taken through the process in a professional way. I would have no hesitation in recommending First Recruitment to any employer who needs that little extra support in their recruitment process."

Bokomo Foods (UK) Limited

“I have found First Recruitment to be very efficient and professional in their approach to recruitment. They were able to gain an in depth understanding of the needs of our business and source high quality candidates. I would highly recommend their services to anyone with a recruitment need.”

AAK

"First Group are one of the key suppliers to Cobham. The team are quick to respond, friendly and professional, and as such have made a massive difference to the account. The team have supported and filled a variety of roles. Without hestitation I would recommend First."

Cobham

Read all Testimonials

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