Productivity in the workplace is as important as ever. Employers want workers who get their work done accurately in a timely manner. In fact, most companies cannot afford to employ someone who takes too long to complete their tasks.
Related: How To Stay Focused In A Distracting Workplace
How can you appear fabulously productive in the eyes of your employer? Here are a few ways:
1. Provide Status Reports
Some supervisors are not completely aware of what you’re working on day-to-day. Check in regularly with your boss to discuss your assignments. This is also a great chance to ask any lingering questions you may have about specific assignments or projects.
2. Volunteer To Help With Additional Tasks
If you find yourself having some time to spare during your workday, ask your supervisor if there’s anything else you can do to help out the department. Perhaps another employee is on vacation and you could take over one of their assignments while they’re away. Or maybe a project is overdue and the team members could use your expertise to finish it up.
3. Look Like You’re Working
It may sound obvious… but it’s vital you actually look productive for your employer to think you’re being productive. This means resisting the temptation to sit on the phone with a friend, check your Facebook or blast your music while at work. Save those things for your free time at home, and show your employer that you’re working hard to help the company succeed during work hours.
4. Be Present
During meetings and at the office, actively listen and take notes about future assignments and new clients. It’s easy to check out when a meeting lasts longer than an hour, but it can ultimately hurt your performance to daze off and think about other things. By actively listening, you’ll also be able to ask good questions during the meeting to ensure you completely understand your assignments. This will undoubtedly keep you being productive in the future.
How do you make sure your employer sees you as a productive employee?
A common interview question employers ask during job interviews is, "Why are you interested in this position?" They want to know why you want to work at their company, and the specific motivation behind why you applied for the job (not that you need a paycheck).
To persuade the employer that you have a true connection to the company and a passion for the job you applied for, your answer to this interview question should start with, "I'm interested in this job, at this company, because…" and then list at least three reasons why you want to work there.
Here is how you should structure your answer to the interview question, "Why are you interested in this job?"
Example: "I'm interested in this job because I can see that, in this role, my skills could help solve this problem within your company. I also see an opportunity for me to learn and grow these skills, so we both would benefit personally, professionally, and financially. If I can come in here and solve problems and accomplish your goals, I know I can develop my career the way that I want to."
This part of your answer lets them know that you are excited about what you will be able to accomplish for them, while still emphasizing what they are getting out of the bargain. You need to sell yourself as a business-of-one who can provide a service better than the competition.
Reason #2 – Cultural Fit
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Your second reason when answering, "Why are you interested in this job?" also shows fit, but in a different way.
Example: "Also, I like the culture of this organization. From what I've heard and what I've been reading about the company, it seems like a great fit for my personality and my values. I really connect with your mission statement, and feel passionate about the work that you do."
This is a general answer, so if you can be more specific by actually naming a couple of things you've heard or read about the company's workplace culture that you like, it will help your cause. This is one area where your pre-interview research is critical.
Does this company value and/or provide resources for employee development?
Mention those things that truly speak to you and your values so your sincerity shows.
Reason #3 – Personal Fit
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Wrap up your answer to this interview question with something that personalizes it a bit more.
Examples:
"And this job is in a great location for me. I've always wanted to move here."
"And this job is only five minutes from my house, so eliminating the commute is a big plus."
"And I've always used your products, and I just love them. I am really excited about being a part of that."
Say something that gives you another reason of your own for wanting this job. This interview answer is a fantastic place to let your enthusiasm for the job show. It's very appealing to employers, and it gives them one more reason to hire you.
Download Work It Daily's FREE list of common interview questions here.
You'll have a very clear and thorough answer to the question, "Why are you interested in this job?" if you follow the formula above. Set yourself apart from the competition today!
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This article was originally published at an earlier date.