Jobs: Make your company want you

I came across this line in the newspaper the other day: When your neighbour loses his job it's recession, when you lose your job it's depression.

Funny but true. Job lay-offs have been making the headlines of late, and it's a good idea to pull up your socks in case you have been taking your job for granted. We outline five ways to make yourself indispensable at work.

When you are competing with other equally talented people the only thing that will set you apart is the way your company (and in particular, your boss) sees you. No, we are not telling you to brown-nose your boss but here are some things you could do to make him sit up and take notice of the job you are doing.

1. Take on challenges

Initiative is the first and most important part of marketing yourself at your workplace. Always be ready to do something new.

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Be willing to take up tasks that don't have a fixed solution and are not guaranteed to succeed. This way when you do succeed your boss will be impressed and your talent will get recognized.

For instance, if you are a sales person, may be you could try ideating for a marketing initiative.

Sticking to a tried and tested formula may give good results but if you want great results you will have to try something new. Remember it won't pay to do the same task the same way for years.

2. Perform consistently

It is great to do a brilliant job, but it is even better if you can do a good job all the time. Not only will your boss acknowledge your efforts but she will also know you are a reliable employee.

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It is better to be an average performer than to meet 150 per cent of your targets one week and only 20 per cent the next week.

Also staying back late so that your seniors notice how hard you are working is not a way to market yourself.

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3. Accept responsibility

You might not succeed at every task assigned to you. If your efforts fail, do not be afraid to accept responsibility.

Ask for feedback from your seniors or even your clients. Be open to criticism and prepared to adjust to different methods of working too.

What won't work: Palming the buck

You might get away with placing the blame on someone else but in the long run you will be perceived as a follower not a team leader.

4. Demonstrate your skills

Read up on advances in your field or even take a part time course. Share the new things you learn with your seniors as well as your juniors. Valuable contributions are sure to get you recognition.

If there is a group project, make sure you work with your team. Stop thinking you can do a better job than everyone else. Everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses. So where you slip up your team mate can cover for you.

If your job involves individual assignments, ask your team mates how you can help them with theirs. Of course, do this only after you have finished your own tasks.

What won't work: Bragging and contributing uselessly

The last thing you want to do is talk about what you do and how well you do it. There is no point blowing your own trumpet if there is no substance. It will only make you look vain and conceited.

Whenever there are group discussions do not talk without thinking. Only if you have something valuable to contribute, say it. It is better to keep quiet than to say something irrelevant.