1) Show up early 2) be willing to stay late 3) always be willing to trade shifts when co-workers ask, and make sure management/scheduling team knows you’re willing to cover anytime you’re available 4) Take charge in situations even before you are in charge, especially when a customer is involved and you can make them love you. Like if another employee is pissing a customer off in any way, step in and take the customer’s side and help them - “Oh no problem, I can do that for you, hi my name is [name] how’s your day? Let’s get you taken care of.” Walk them directly to the product they need, or to a manager if they have a complaint, and empathize with them the whole time. Make sure to tell them your name and emphasize that they can ask for you any time they have a problem. Any customer mentioning your name in a positive way to other employees will always get back to a manager’s ears. 5) volunteer for any and all trainings/boot camps/events/etc 6) Make it clear to everyone what your ambitions are and that you take it very seriously and what your next goal is (checkout manager, manager, GM, assistant store manager, keyholder, whatever it is) 7) always dress better than you have to. Not TOO over-dressed for the position, but at the very top end of the nicest that makes sense for your position. Even if you’re “just” a checkout clerk, ironed pleats, blouse/dress shirt with buttons, nice but conservative jewelry, light makeup if you’re a woman, dress shoes and fancy socks, nice shiny belt - the works. 8) Make a habit of letting people know they can count on you for favors/support/assistance in work things whenever possible. “If you ever need a ride to work I’m always willing!” Management especially loves an employee who helps make sure other employees don’t miss work. 9) Small talk with customers every chance you get. Helping them find something? Compliment their purse/shirt/earrings. At checkout? Ask them how they like [food they’re buying] or tell them “oh I tried [that food] yesterday and it was so good, you’ll love it!” Or “oh I got that candle too it smells soooo good.” If they’re wearing a gaming nerd shirt, ask them their favorite game. Etc etc. anything is better than “how’s your day going?” and always always always compliment babies and mention how cute their are! 10) Always act happy to be there, but serious and straightforward about working. Focused and no-nonsense but quick with a smile. Rushing past someone but haven’t seen them yet today? “Hey man how are you?” And a smile and pat on the arm as you go past. 11) Meet everyone on their level - don’t be overbearing, and try to notice if they’re annoyed with you or you feel like you might be “too on” or too much.

Basically - play the game, play along, fake it until you make it, act like you’re already one promotion ahead of where you are, but without stepping on toes.