by Nayab Naseer

Created on: February 28, 2009

The best way to get a raise is to let your job speak for you.

In the not too distant past, there was a trend of getting ahead by proving one's devotion to the job. This could be by ways like spending long hours at work, voluntarily working on holidays with no extra pay, defending the company in public forums, currying up with the boss, doing favors for him and even spying for him.

However, today's businesses run on figures. If a business hires you, they consider how much revenue your work generates for the business, vis-vis how much they spend on you.

There are many ways to demonstrate your worth:

The first requirement to get ahead is performance, or doing what is required efficiently and as fast as possible. You should be thorough on the theoretical part of your job requirements, and when the company trains you, make sure you understand what is to be done and how it is to be done. The training period is when you can ask any number of questions repeatedly, until the concept becomes clear. Even after the training period, make sure you identify a mentor and clarify doubts.

Avoiding procrastination relates closely to performance. It is imperative that you meet targets and deadlines. Ideally, you should have completed your day's work by the end of the day and leave nothing for the next day. This will increase your efficiency and will get you noticed.

Another requirement is flexibility. You should be adaptable to work in different conditions, and not stick to your job description. You may have to do extra things as and when the situation demands and you may have to work from different locations.

Helping co-workers is another sure way to getting ahead. Once you have established your competence, it would only be a matter of time before you become the resource person to train fresh recruits and support weak performers in the team. Never shrink away from this responsibility. Mentoring is one among the few traits that make one indispensable in an organization.

If you have spare time at work and you are not assigned any additional responsibilities, use the time to further enhance your work-related skills, or develop a related skill. You could also consider developing your soft skills like communication skills or people management skills. Make sure you involve your boss in the picture so that he is aware that you spend your time constructively.

However, even if your performance is top-notch, you will be in serious trouble if your attitude is below-par. Make sure to come on time,

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