20 Quick Career Tips That Will Get You Ahead

June 9, 2015 Written By Jaime Grimes

Need an "aha" moment? How about 20 of them? From multiple entrepreneurs, career advice sites and regular old folks, we've compiled 20 quick career tips that will get you ahead in work - and in life - in a flash.

1. Spend 15 minutes reflecting on the day. Take 15 minutes at the end of each work day to ask yourself how you succeeded that day and where you have opportunities to improve.

2. Eliminate the word "just" from your vocabulary. Instead of saying "just checking in on this" in an email, leave off the word "just." You'll instantly feel more confident.

3. Find the schedule that works for you. Note the times during the day you feel your sharpest and best, and also note the times you want to take a nap. Aim to wake up earlier or go to bed earlier accordingly.

4. When you network, try to listen more than you talk. Listening to mentors and career experts is one of the best ways to learn how to do what they do.

5. Be just a little bit nicer. It's surprising how far it can go in business and in life.

6. To avoid bias in job hunting, avoid reading online company reviews until after you interview with them.

7. Want to easily update your resume? Create a "brag folder" in your email inbox, for whenever a boss praises you or a coworker sends you a nice note.

8. To create a great cover letter, don't just talk about yourself. Talk about your potential employer too.

9. Don't say you're tired while at work, or on social media during work hours. Always remember how you're reflecting on yourself.

10. Keep in touch with professional connections, from people younger than you to people you work for and everyone in between. You never know who is going to be working where and in what position later.

11. Don't let any resource, whether it's time, money or experience, keep you from pursuing your dreams. You'll find success in finding alternative resources.

12. When you're looking for a job, find a need - and fill it.

13. The next time you have a phone interview, do some power poses, even if no one can see you. This means standing with your legs shoulder-width apart, hands on your hips, with your chest slightly out. It'll instantly make you sound and feel more confident.

14. When you follow up with someone about a job interview, be polite and humble.

15. If you're a manager, do a non-work check-in with your employees every once in a while. Ask how your employees' weekends were, or what they've been up to lately. It'll make them feel more included in the company if you care about something in their non-work lives.

16. Remember to constantly challenge yourself in your career. You'll never rise to your full potential by sticking with the safe and comfortable.

17. Instantly boost your productivity by deleting an app on your phone that distracts you.

18. Pace yourself. "You can only go as fast as the slowest part of you can go," said Bonnie Raitt to O Magazine in an article on great advice.

19. Write a hand-written thank-you note, for gifts, job interviews and to express gratitude.

20. On that note, be grateful, and show it. It'll improve your relationships, health, sleep and self-esteem.

What's a quick, life-changing career tip that you'd add to the list? Let us know in the comments below.