Many job applicants spend a lot of time polishing their image, finding positive answers to interview questions and looking for other ways to impress the interviewer so they will be the one selected for the job. Unfortunately, once they have the job, they think they can relax because it is no longer necessary to try to impress the boss. They do the job just well enough to keep it. But the impact you have on your employer on a daily basis will determine how quickly you will advance on the job. Here are some suggestions to make the most of this job and develop work habits which will lead to life-long career success.

Express Interest in the Company . Read the Employee Handbook but also learn the unwritten rules. Workplaces have their own cultures. Ask questions and observe what is considered acceptable. What is acceptable in one company might be taboo in another. Learning about things like the dress code, personal use of equipment, and everyday employee protocol will help you become a member of the team much quicker and can create a positive impression.

Find out what is important to your boss . Make sure you have a clear understanding of what he/she is trying to accomplish. Pay attention to your boss's personality style and preferences. Know the best time and the best way to present information to the boss to get approval for something you want to try. Find out the company's goals and your boss's plan of action for reaching those goals. Ask questions and point out inconsistencies when tasks seem out of line with stated goals. Ask for feedback to ensure you met expectations or to find out how you could do better the next time. Make sure your priorities are in line with your boss's priorities. If you are not sure what they are, ask. The boss will appreciate your concern and enthusiasm for doing the best job you can.

Do more than you are asked and contribute more than is required . Volunteer for the tough job that no one wants to do. If you do it well you will be considered a team player who can be counted on to get the job done no matter what it takes. And if you are the first to volunteer to learn about new equipment or a new process you could become the company expert in that area and maybe get an opportunity to teach other employees how to use it.

When performing routine tasks, make it your first time . If you approach each task with enthusiasm and a fresh outlook, work will never become dull and routine. When we allow our work to become stale, we are more likely to make careless mistakes or overlook important details. Volunteering to do tasks outside your job description can help to relieve the monotony of doing the same thing day in and day out. It also shows that you are willing to do that "something extra" to be a productive member of the team. Look at work as a challenge, not as something you have to do every day but something you get to do. Look for opportunities to grow with the organization and you won't be left behind.

If you don't have anything to do, find something to do . Never find yourself idle during work hours. If you cannot find something to do, ask your supervisor for a list of suggestions of how you can use your time when things are slow. Especially volunteer to do those things that seem to fall between the cracks because no one wants to do them. You will find the day goes faster when you are busy and your boss will see you as a productive contributor. In addition, you will enhance your own employability with all the new skills you are learning.

Look for ways to save time and money . Look for creative solutions to everyday problems that will reduce the time it takes to perform a particular job or the cost of a particular operation. Be a problem-solver. When you notice a problem on the job, try to think of at least two possible solutions before you discuss it with your boss. It will show you are a thinker and a problem solver, as well as a doer.

If you follow these suggestions, your boss will see you as a valuable employee that he/she cannot do without. In addition, if you do find it necessary to look for another job, your resume will show you as a person who is flexible, well rounded and willing to do more than is expected. You will have a boss who will be happy to provide an excellent reference or even make a counteroffer and/or create a position so they can keep you. There is no better way to create employment security.