Let’s get real for a minute. When you look around your workplace, how many people are just doing enough to get by? How many are clocking in, doing the bare minimum, and clocking out? Now, ask yourself: Are you one of them?
Here’s the harsh truth—many people are simply average. They do what’s required to keep their job, but not enough to truly stand out. Yet, they still expect to be noticed, promoted, and handed new opportunities. But that’s not how it works, is it? The people who truly excel, who get the promotions, who land those dream roles—they’re the ones who go beyond average. They’re the ones who are always learning, adapting, and pushing the limits.
What about you? Are you doing everything you can to become the best in your field, or are you comfortable being just like everyone else?
Standing Out in the Interview Process
The same principle applies when you’re interviewing for a new role. Think about it—what’s going to make an interviewer choose you over the other candidates they’re meeting? It’s not enough to simply want the job. You need to prove that you’re the best candidate for it.
Before you even step into the interview room (or hop onto that virtual call), ask yourself:
- What skills or experiences do I have that my competition might not?
- How can I showcase my ability to solve the company’s specific challenges?
- What have I done recently to show I’m committed to continuous learning and improvement?
How to Become Above Average in Your Field
If you want to move up in your career, you have to do more than just your day-to-day tasks. Here are some strategies to help you stand out as a top player in your industry:
- Get Certified in New Skills: Certifications can make a huge difference in showing that you’re committed to mastering new technologies and processes. For example, if you’re in project management, a PMP certification could be a game-changer. If you’re in digital marketing, a certification in Google Analytics or SEO might set you apart. What certification could make you more valuable to your company or to the companies you’re applying to?
- Learn Emerging Technologies: Companies want employees who can adapt to new trends and technologies. Staying on top of industry shifts can make you an invaluable resource. Whether it’s AI, machine learning, data analytics, or cloud computing, there’s always something new to learn. Ask yourself: Am I staying up-to-date with the latest in my field, or am I falling behind?
- Seek Out Stretch Assignments: Take on projects or roles that push you outside of your comfort zone. Even if it’s not within your current job description, these experiences show that you’re willing to go above and beyond. It’s also a chance to develop new skills that will make you stand out.
Becoming a Top Candidate—Not Just an Average One
Employers don’t want just another employee—they want the best in the field. The candidate who’s not just qualified but exceptional. The same goes for promotions within your current company. If you’re doing only what’s expected, how can you expect your manager to see you as the next leader in the team?
To stand out, you have to consistently show that you’re willing to put in the extra effort, not just when the spotlight is on you but day in and day out.
A Challenge for You
Here’s a challenge: Take a good, hard look at where you are compared to your competition. What are they doing that you’re not? Where are your gaps? Identify two or three key areas where you can improve—and then do something about it.
Start by:
- Evaluating Your Skillset: What’s the next certification, skill, or training you could pursue?
- Building Your Network: Are you connecting with industry leaders and learning from them?
- Seeking Feedback: Ask your manager or mentor, “What can I do to become a top performer in our team?” and then act on it.
The Bottom Line: Average Won’t Get You There
If you only do the bare minimum, if you never take time to learn and apply new concepts in your field, you’ll simply remain average. And in today’s competitive market, average is the easiest thing to overlook. Companies are looking for people who bring more than just their skills—they want the drive, the adaptability, and the mindset that comes with being a top performer.
So, are you willing to do what it takes to go from average to exceptional? What steps are you going to take to set yourself apart in your career? Drop your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear what you’re doing to stand out from the crowd!
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