Don’t Forget The Little Things

With internship and full-time opportunities hard to come by, showing up and clocking the normal 9 to 5 might not cut it anymore. The market today is extremely competitive (I can attest to this firsthand as I am in the midst of a job search) and people are looking for any way possible to separate themselves from the rest of the pack. Differentiation is the key to successfully navigating the turbulent waters of today’s job market. In order to succeed, you must create your own “competitive advantage.”

Let’s say you are interning with an organization and would love to come on board full-time when the time was right. This is where your competitive advantage plays a major role.  Here are a few things you can do:

• Arrive early, stay late. I have seen many people stick to the 8-4 or 9-5 routines through my internships, but those who come early or stay late do not go unnoticed. This past summer, I would stay a little later than some of the staff to stay on top of projects. I didn’t think much of it, but to my surprise, it was the first thing my manager had on my performance review. Getting in a few minutes early or staying a few minutes late shows you are dedicated and have an interest in the team/organization.

• Be proactive and take the initiative. Things can be hectic in the office. Sometimes your manager won’t be able to tell you what to do next once you accomplish a task.  Take the initiative and tackle new projects or if you think something can be improved. There is always something that can be done and taking the initiative keeps you ahead of the of the pack.

• Maybe the most important, Have a positive attitude. Sometimes things can be hectic and projects may not go according to plan…it’s inevitable. It’s natural to be frustrated, disappointed, or annoyed, but always try to see the positive. Think of it as an opportunity to improve, to do things differently, and to be better! A positive attitude is contagious and before you know it, teammates and colleagues will feed off your energy. Staying positive can make you memorable and help you be seen as a vital part of the team!

Remember, the little things can go a long way! They can help you differentiate and create your competitive advantage. And with the way things are today, any advantage is important!