It is the role of the entry-level employee to make their boss look good; (not an easy job but someone has to do it!) Your ability as a new grad to use your interpersonal skills to build relationships, take initiative, and bring your best every day will get you noticed.
The employee-boss relationship, especially early in your career, is important. It's your opportunity to learn from someone experienced, from whom you can gain a lot. It's also an opportunity to make them look good and utilize your fresh ideas and perspective to help them be their best. If you can make your boss happy, you'll be well on your way to becoming a star yourself.
Building the relationship
Getting to know your boss is the key to not only building an important relationship early in your career but also helping you to understand their needs more. If you know your boss well, you can anticipate their needs and take the initiative to run with something before you've even been asked.
For example, if you know they prefer to have mornings free for answering emails or they want agendas prepared at least a day before a meeting, then do your best to ensure that happens. You only learn small details like this by keeping a constant, open flow of information and communication with your boss. (You'd be surprised the things you find out from the day-to-day small talk with someone!) Your ability to do this will get you noticed; it shows that you can not only fill the role written in your job description but that you are able to use your people skills to get the job done.
Take the initiative
The relationship you have with your boss is the building block of a great career, but being efficient and keeping projects on track for your boss is important as well. You have to be in the know on what is going on and follow up as necessary. Taking the initiative to do this shows that you are organized and care enough to coordinate as a team.
In addition, you should be constantly thinking up fresh ideas for new initiatives and tasks you can work on and really show you're a go-getter. Your company isn't using social media? Research the best practices of corporate social media marketing and pitch your idea to your boss. You should constantly be looking for new ideas to work through on your own and present them. Keep a notebook with you at all times to jot down new ideas as you think of them. Being ahead of the game keeps your boss ahead of the game.
Bring your A game
Always over-deliver on every thing you do, whether that means something as simple as compiling a guest list or something major like preparing a demonstration for the entire company. If you have to give a big presentation, rather then using what's expected'PowerPoint'why not try doing something more exciting? Use other forms of media, start an exciting group discussion, or start with a team activity to get the group motivated. While the big projects are important, sometimes it's the little things that get you noticed. It's all in the details, so put on your thinking cap and be innovative by using a new approach.
Ultimately, your relationship with your boss should be a two-way street. We're not suggesting you become a slave to your boss but rather you cultivate a relationship with your superiors to help them shine so that they can in turn mentor you through the early stages of your career.
Entry-level employees can get caught up in the nitty-gritty tasks that their roles sometimes demand. Remember that it's the little things that can turn you from inexperienced employee to company star, (with a great reference along the way!)
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