How To Get Noticed & Become Unstoppable At Work

Leadership

Mar 28

It seems like you can’t watch the news or scroll on Instagram without seeing something about layoffs.

Job insecurity is a scary subject, especially since you decided you want to stay in your current position and going back out into the job market just isn’t for you. The great news is that there are ways you can make yourself even more valuable in your current role and push past all of those fears and uncertainties that today’s market can bring up.

When it comes to layoffs, it’s important to note that they are due to that big hiring spree that the pandemic created a few years back. Companies are now dealing with higher costs and have turned to layoffs to offset them as the world finds a way to normalize itself again. Other companies are undergoing hiring freezes, like Apple, instead.

According to DemandSage, here are some important stats you need to know about:

40% of Americans have been laid off at least once.
In the last two years, 28% of Americans reported that they were laid off from their company.
61% of adults between the age of 18 to 34 reported that they dealt with tremendous pressure and lay-off anxiety.

From what I’ve seen (to put it bluntly), mid-level employees are not the target of these layoffs. C-Suite or upper management positions seem to have the most at stake. But layoff anxiety is at an all-time high for everyone.

Why not focus on the things you can control and put the ball back in your court so you can get noticed and become unstoppable at work?

Move over, Marie Kondo! It’s my turn to spark joy.

Here are some popular questions I’ve received lately that I think can help you get ahead of the game!

“What does it mean to get noticed?”

This is more than just the acknowledgment you used to get when you knew the answer in class. This is about your company having trust in your expertise. It means your contributions are recognized, seen, and heard. You’re being validated as a known problem-solver and an expert in your field.

Studies have shown that getting noticed in this way can improve your well-being and overall attitude toward a job. According to Harvard Business Review, “when employees are more satisfied with their organization, they are more productive and less likely to leave, and recognizing the empowering employees can increase motivation and improve performance across the organization.”

“What are some things I can do to get on my boss's radar?”

The easiest thing you can do is be very aware of when to speak up and when it’s just a good time to listen. Knowing when to chime in with a new idea or to volunteer to take on a new responsibility can go a long way and turn some heads. But be sure your ideas are well thought out and you are ready for some feedback or even resistance.

The worst thing you can do is pretend to know something you don’t. Even the top experts in the game have to go back to the drawing board every once in a while, to brush up on their skills. Admit what you don’t know but pivot your messaging so it comes across as motivation - “I’m a fast learner and I’ll get right on it!”

“What can I do to support my boss without seeming like a teacher's pet?”

This is a good one! You want to do what you can to get noticed but you don’t want to come across like you have all the time in the world to become their personal assistant.

Find subtle ways to help your boss save time, limit stress, and stay organized. Remembering things like important dates for an upcoming meeting or taking notes to lighten the load later can be extremely helpful for both you and your boss’ needs.

As companies downsize, other employees are often asked to pick up the slack. While this can be annoying and cause some resentment, you may want to look at this as an opportunity to expand your current job responsibilities (within reason, of course!) Volunteer for small projects like helping to train a new employee or starting a new Slack channel to keep your team engaged.

“How can I brag about my accomplishments in a professional matter?”

This is something I always tell my associates and clients: No one else is going to share the things that matter to you. And, even when you get a glowing review, it may not be in the light that you want to frame yourself in. So it’s important to be your own advocate. But it’s true that there is a fine line between tooting your own horn and coming across as a know-it-all.

Research has found that only 36% of employees say their company has a recognition system in place that ensures their boss notices them. Which means the rest is in your hands.

The trick is to talk about your accomplishments modestly. During a team meeting, you can volunteer to help someone use a program you know like the back of your hand, for example. This can make you seem like both a supportive co-worker and an expert in your field.

“What can I do to be more aware of job stability, especially when it comes to the current market?”

This is a tricky one because a company does not have to divulge information about whether or not they’re about to start laying people off. But there are some ways you can go about figuring out if a company is in for the long haul, especially within the interview process.

You’ll want to ask questions like, “What does your growth strategy look like?” and “What’s the turnover rate?” This will help you get the confidence you need in a new role and make you come across as a serious candidate. Because, at the end of the day, it’s totally your responsibility to be as bold and blunt about your role as possible.

This is your future. If the writing is on the wall, then you got to make a choice before a choice is made for you.

I’ll be there to steer you in the right direction every time.

What I’m listening to…

Check out the Punk Rock HR podcast episode, Brag Better with Meredith Fineman where she offers an unapologetic approach to self-promotion and championing yourself. Start listening now!

What I’m reading…

Well, almost! I’m stoked to get my hands on Aliza Licht’s upcoming book, On Brand: Shape Your Narrative. Share Your Vision. Shift Their Perception. You can pre-order it now by clicking here!