Don't think this is possible? We let you in on the secrets of people who have made it happen.

So you have worked extremely hard, day after day but it is still not getting you anywhere on the corporate ladder and you wonder where have you gone wrong? After all, isn't hard work supposed to payoff, especially when it comes to your career? To a certain extent, it does, but it's not the only criteria that will get you ahead in your career. What are it then that will get you and your work noticed by your superiors?

The answer: quite simply, the entire package. Being hard working is not enough; say if you don't contribute to meetings and discussions. Working till late hours won't do much for your career if you are constantly on the phone during office hours. Putting in the extra time on your worksheet will not help you get that promotion you have been eyeing for if you don't think out of the box and take the initiative to be different from your colleagues.

The truth is, bosses favour individuals who know what they are doing and can perform on their own. On top of that, if you are someone who portrays a professional persona as well as have excellent networking skills, you can be sure all that will bring you ahead of the pack. Even if you are not someone who has worked as hard as your next colleague, having essential employee skills and qualities will nevertheless still put you ahead.

Ready to earn more money and move up the corporate ladder? Then, take note of our seven secrets to a bigger pay check.

Image is everything

As much as you hate wearing that stuffy tie and shirt (or work suit for the ladies), how you show up at work each morning will help fast track your way up on the corporate ladder. We can bet our money that being sloppily dressed at work won't get you far.

By looking the part, you give your boss credibility and trust that you mean business. Think about it - would you rather be considered as someone who is serious about his or her work, or as someone who couldn't care less, what more to dress the part?

What should you do then to look the part? Take a good look at your office wardrobe. Have you ever been commented on the way you dress at work? Be critical- see if your office attire sends out the appropriate message that you want to send across to your boss and colleagues. Ask yourself this question: would you hire yourself if you came to work dressed the way you do?

Also, make sure you understand what the proper 'uniform' is for your industry. Even if you work in the creative industry, that doesn't mean you come to work dressed in whatever you slept in the night before! At the same time, a three-piece suit won't work with a bunch of laidback but talented programmers.

Finally, pay attention to details. Is your shirt missing a button? Do you have an unsightly stain on your white blouse? Have you ironed your attire? Taking note of these little things can actually bring you quite far.

Communication is Essential

An important element to success in your career is really how you present yourself when speaking. The best advice we can give you is this: think before you speak. Take a good listen to how you talk. Do you phrase things with a question at the end? Do you fade off before you finish your sentence? Do you mumble when you speak? Do you talk around the subject, rather than go straight to the point?

The truth is bad communication skills won't get you far. Being able to articulate your ideas and concept in a precise and concise manner will be very helpful. After all, the last thing you want is to be misunderstood or to have our ideas back fire against you.

Also, pay attention to how speak to your colleagues or suppliers.

Being rude will only make its way back to your boss, which certainly won't work in your favour. Also, put all sensitivities and sarcasm out of the window. The last thing you want is to be known as a bitter grouch or a nasty person among your colleagues because word will eventually reach your boss!

Network, Network, Network!

In this time and day, it is who you know that can help you get far. Even so, it doesn’t hurt to make a few new contacts from time to time that may help you at the end of the day. Networking never fails.

Knowing the big wigs in your industry will help you learn more about your career (or even about a dream job opening in a competitor's company!).

Also, make sure you expand your circle at work. Get to know everyone – from your right down to the intern. Be kind and polite at all times. You ever know who might be the one to help you get that promotion you've always wanted!

Play the Office Politics Game

We are not asking you to spread vicious rumours about your colleagues; instead the ideal is to be on top of your game and know exactly what is happening in the office, whether it is official or not.

Your boss' birthday coming up around the corner? A greeting card and a small token won’t hurt, regardless of what your colleagues may think. After all, it is the thoughts that count. Also, being on good terms with whoever makes the decision (especially ones that may affect your career) may not be such a bad idea. Being proactive and taking initiative to impress others will also do wonders to your career. Don't want your colleagues to think you are sucking up? A little tip is to perhaps you can have them in on buying your boss lunch. Sucking up can be a relative term after all. If you're nice to everyone, then it's not sucking up anymore is it?

Stand Out

No point being part of the herd in your team, why not stand out among the rest? Whether it is with your stellar personality or brilliant ideas, being different from the rest will help you get noticed by your boss. Always offer suggestions (but make sure they make sense, rather than just empty talk) during meetings. Take part in active discussions on how to work together in a team and offer some solid ideas.

And remember - be nice! It doesn't" hurt to offer a nice smile or a good morning greeting once in a while. Don't ever step on anyone's tail; you never know who might be boss one day.