All the talk of a ‘new you’ in the new year, the bleak weather and a measly bank balance (thanks for nothing early December pay cheque) create a perfect storm of job dissatisfaction and itchy feet. Google searches for ‘job site’ see a whopping spike in January, as we all take to the web to find a new career to lift ourselves out of the January doldrums.

But as Sian and FruGal have pointed out, now might not be the best time to move jobs. Job seasons vary between industries and roles. In retail, the major recruitment drives happen in October and November. In education, recruitment precedes new terms and new school years. Check out when your industry ratchet up their recruitment. If it’s not right now, hang fire, polish up your CV and follow these tips to impress in your current job…

1. Arrive at work early

Nothing says ‘I don’t care’ more than routinely rocking up late to the office. Start your day 15 minutes earlier, settle down to work at 8.45am and your extra dedication will soon get noticed.

2. Look smart

Plan your outfit the night before and scrutinise it. Shoes look a bit scruffy? Polish them. Ladder in your tights? Chuck them. Plan and your morning will be less stressful, you’ll look polished and presentable, and you’ll create a better image in the workplace.

Oh and remember the mantra: ironing clothes in the morning is the route to misery, burnt clothes and sleep deprivation.  Iron your shirt the night before.

3. Be friendly

Don’t be that bitchy colleague who freaks out if someone sits on ‘their seat’ in the staff room. I’m just saying.

Be warm, approachable and pleasant. Let off steam when you’re at home, if you have to.

4. Take initiative

If you think your job is devoid of extra opportunities, think again. Is there a process that could be sped up? Let your boss know about it. Could you take on a bit of extra work? Suggest it. If there isn’t that sort of scope in your role, organise a team night out and show that you care about your colleagues.

5. Be a team player

Is there a workmate who’s struggling to meet a deadline? Help them out. Collaborate with your colleagues and make their lives easier. They’ll thank you for it, as will your boss.

6. Stay positive

Your job may have you reaching for the stress ball, but try and stay upbeat. The office grumbler brings everyone else down, and your boss will be able to spot the moany perpetrator a mile off.

7. Under promise and over achieve

A classic rule of thumb. Promise to hit expectations and then beat them. If a report is due by Tuesday at 4pm, get it in at 2pm. If your boss has asked for some figures, dig them out and find some extra information to boot. Don’t leave your boss or colleagues chasing you up for work. Stay one step ahead.

8. Be organised

Visually, physically and in practice. A chaotic desk suggests a chaotic approach to work. Tidy it up. Plan your workload a week in advance to make sure you hit your deadlines and turn up early for meetings.

9. Be willing to learn

Are there practices that you could brush up on? A little slow on your computer literacy? Spend a few minutes each evening familiarising yourself with an excel tutorial. Keep ahead of industry developments by dipping into business and trade press.

10. Do your day job…well

It’s all well and good taking on extra responsibilities, looking smart and being a team player, but there’s no point walking the walk if you can’t talk the talk. Do your day job consistently well to bag the best reference possible for your next role.

Have you ever had to impress in an unimpressive job? What happened and how did you do it?