What are some tips & tricks for a junior enlisted to become a Non-Commissioned Officer?

Tricks? Never heard of any. As a battery First Sergeant what prompts me to recommend someone to the promotion board? First; meet all requirements to attend the board. Soldiers who consistently separate themselves from their peers. How? Always exceeding Army standards, superior MOS and Army knowledge, above standards ACFT score. The soldier who has discipline, emotional intelligence, good communication skills, those who seek self improvement, the one who leads by example. The one that is always looking for harder tasks, that's the soldier I recommend to attend to the board.

boards go to boards.. study.. ask questions.. be proficient at anything.. excel at PT tests.. shoot expert... learn how to do everything an SGT does now.. then learn how to do the next level.. read tms.. no everything about maintenance on vehicles.. volunteer in the community.. know more than the next guy without being conceited.. and show you know it.. get all the schools you can.. and most of all.. always take the hard right over the easy wrong especially when no one is looking.. trust me someone probably is and you don't see it....be best

Act like the job you want to have.

For you :
Be where you’re supposed to be
Be there on time or early
Get your requirements done (fitness, medical, weapons qual, admin, etc).

Once you are squared away, go square away your squad mates. If a squad mate struggles to shoot, struggles with fitness, has a personal problem, help them. Run with them, be with them, empower them.

You do those things, you are an NCO, regardless of what the front of your hat says.

Also, if you are doing all of those things, they will no noticed.

There really aren't any tricks. You have to take responsibility for yourself and be prepared. Know your job, and know as much of your supervisor's job as possible. That is the position you are trying to get to. Most of the points that everyone has mentioned are up to you: PT, Weapons Qualification, Military Training/Education, and Civilian Education. Awards can be a pain, depending on your unit and your job. Going to boards, Soldier/Trooper of the Month/Quarter will give you experience, and prepare you for the actual Promotion Board. If your Platoon Sergeant doesn't already have a mentoring plan, ask to discuss it with them, and ask to lead portions of PT or call cadence when you are marching, or act as an assistant instructor. I know they said never volunteer, but sometimes volunteering will give you some experience and get you some face-time with those who matter.
I rotated my junior enlisted soldiers through leading PT, calling cadence, leading maintenance in the motor pool, etc. I discussed promotion and what was required with the senior specialists in my platoon, in addition to their monthly counseling. That let me know who wanted to be promoted and who was looking for help in that area. Work with your Squad Leader and Platoon Sergeant and let them know that promotion is what you are looking for.

Learn your job first. Become technically and tactically proficient. Keep your PT score up, don't just do the minimum. Work to be expert with your weapon. Look in your unit for an NCO who you think is a good NCO and use them as a mentor.

Be where you are supposed to be, be doing what you are supposed to be doing

In my opinion Soldier Of The Month/Quarter (etc) boards is the best way to become knowledgeable enough to be an NCO and actually be one in the eyes of your future subordinates. It will give you plenty of Awards (Promotion Points), confidence, and qualification to lead. If you are afraid of them - go! The first few times will be scary, after that - easy.
On the other side, it is easy to stand out by simply taking your daily, seemingly insignificant tasks seriously. Just the fact that you are asking such a question says to me you won't have to wait too long. Good luck!

Hello soldier, Get all the leadership training you can. go to NCO development school.
take all the sub course that you can , check the cut-off score for you MOS You have to be an e 4 before you can be an E5