So, you’ve landed a new job. Now, the trick is keeping that job. Here are five fail-safe ways to impress your boss and obtain promotions within the workplace.

 #1. Don’t be on time, be early! Yes, bosses love employees who are early. Even if you are hourly, peep your head and let the poss know that you are there- even if you can’t clock in just yet. Arriving to your job early not only shows that you are responsible, it allows bosses to recognize your enthusiasm for the job!

 #2. Play Devil’s advocate. Don’t be confrontational when doing this or it will backfire. But, if your boss is asking you a question know that it is ok to challenge him or her. You want to show that you can think through a problem and that you are not a “yes man” or “yes woman”. By showing your boss that you are not afraid to speak up and that you are truly giving every perspective of a situation its due consideration- you are sending a message that you are comfortable in a leadership role.

 #3. Don’t gossip. This seems simple enough, but is it? I know some companies purposely have a seasoned employee go out and try to recruit a new employee into a game of gossip.  That season employee must report if the new employee took the bait or not. More so, some employers purposely start rumors to see which employees are gossip and how far the fake news is traveling. Don’t get caught up in the social scene at work. Don’t comment on gossip, don’t acknowledge gossip- if anything, run from any personal piece of information within the workplace.

 #4. Dress the part.  There are too many times where employees show up to the interview dressed appropriately and then leave his or her nice slacks at home when it comes to work attire. Make sure you are wearing clean, pressed clothes every time you show up for work. Even if you work in jeans, put a crease in them! Showing pride in yourself, via your wardrobe, tells a boss that you care about how people, specifically customers, perceive you and the company you work for.

 #5.  Ask for more work. I know it can be overwhelming, especially at a new job. But, the best you thing you can do to get the boss’ approval is offer to help with other projects. For example, if your work is complete and your headed out the door on a Friday afternoon, ask your new boss if he or she has anything else that you can help with before you go home. If you do this every night- the boss will notice. Be prepared- he or she may even take you up on this offer. Accept the work. Keep asking. Show initiative and a willingness to learn. I promise you this will pay off in the long-run.