If you want to move on or up in your career then it is time to get noticed. Women in particular don’t always realise the importance of increasing their visibility at work and think that by working harder and keeping their heads down they will eventually get rewarded. Men tend to be better at letting others know what they are working on, what they have achieved and take the time to form strategic alliances which help position them for interesting opportunities and projects.

It is true that it is not just what you know but who you know that counts and it really is that easy to be passed over for a job if you don’t raise your visibility. If you have your nose to the grindstone from 9 to 5, and are rarely seen other than at your computer, now is the time to step out and make yourself know. Follow these 10 tips to get recognised at work.

1. Get to know the bigger picture and learn about other parts of the business so that you can spot opportunities, make connections and be proactive in problem solving.
2. Attend company networking events and after hours drinks. This is a great way to form connections with others in a more relaxed setting.
3. Ask or join colleagues for lunch rather than munching a sandwich alone at your desk.
4. Physically get up and go and talk to someone in another department. It is too easy to blast off another email or leave a voice message. Even if the person is not at their desk you may get the opportunity to talk to others along the way. The cliche of the water cooler being the place to learn about what is really happening in the business is valid.

5. Volunteer for special projects or committees particularly those which involve cross functional teams. Many companies are keen to involve employees in working groups when implementing new initiatives, and these teams are a great place to find out more about organisational goals.
6. Find ways to network upwards. Women tend to stay in the comfort zone of networking with their peer group, when they would benefit from getting to know and be known by the key decision makers and leaders at the next two levels of the organisation.
7. Contribute to company blogs, media sites and newsletters but avoid getting involved in controversial or negative discussions.
8. Speak up and share your knowledge at meetings, conferences or at any appropriate opportunity. Be seen to be an information resource.
9. Don’t be afraid to let people know about your achievements and take credit for a job well done. Rather than shrug off words of praise, thank them and acknowledge that you feel you did a good job
10. Finally don’t be afraid to let others be aware at the appropriate time, when you want more responsibility, to gain more experience or are seeking a promotion.

Susan Tomlinson specialises in helping women professionals and executives build rewarding and successful careers. Drawing on her years of experience in both career and personal development, she strongly advocates doing work you love. You can find out more about her programmes and sign up for a free 5 week Fast Track your Career! e-course at http://www.careerinsights.co.uk

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