by Julia Proctor

Created on: February 07, 2007   Last Updated: April 18, 2007

To please your boss is more than showing up to work on time, dressing professionally for your position and doing your work. Those are requirements to keep your job. Going over and beyond the minimum standards is what makes you shine in the eyes of your boss.

Make their life easier. If there is something that you can do for them, ask to assist them. Go to meetings and take notes, write conference reports for them.

Think ahead. Sometimes it's more difficult to think past the week or the day, but if there is a meeting in two weeks, help prepare for it so that they have less to do.

It sounds simple, but before you leave, always ask if there is anything else you can help them with. Bosses appreciate that and notice when someone is willing to step up to the plate.

Carefully check and recheck your work. Bosses shouldn't be checking for spelling errors or miscalculations, those should all be correct.

If you have questions, ask. They know you won't know everything and like to give their point of view.

If you do something wrong, make sure it's the only time it happens. Forget to set up a meeting? Do it earlier next time. Misspellings? Spell check it twice, print it off and read it word-for-word. Miscalculations? Use a calculator (o excel who adds stuff for you) and if necessary have someone else look at it.

A boss should be able to rely on you and know that you are doing your job and helping get things done, quick and correct.

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