I know we have talked about this topic in the past but it’s an important subject and young professionals (as well as seasoned execs) need a refresher from time to time. Here are a few tips to keep that paycheck rolling in:
- Look at your watch! Punctuality is right up there with brushing your teeth – just do it. Arrive to work a few minutes early each day (especially on your first day, to allow time for any leftover paperwork). Remember not to overextend your lunch hour, and be the first (not the last) person to arrive to the morning meeting. The same goes for turning in those monthly reports!
- Avoid the water cooler. Earning a reputation as the office gossip can put your job (and career!) in jeopardy. Avoid negative office chatter at all costs. Instead, make an earnest attempt to be a positive role model and learn as much as you can about the company, the corporate culture and how you can be an asset.
- Know how to accept criticism. Don’t confuse criticism with training. When the time comes for your supervisor to offer constructive criticism, accept it as an opportunity to grow. It is being offered to help you improve your job performance. Don’t read too much into it, avoid getting defensive or upset, and by all means, make the recommended changes.
- Get involved in the office. When volunteers are needed, step up and happily offer to help. The same goes for the holiday party committee and annual charity fundraiser. You want to be visible and cheerful, always willing to help.
- Network outside of the office. Your next (and better) job often comes your way when you regularly attend networking events. The greater your network, the better your chances are of keeping your current job and advancing your career.
- Take your job seriously. If you just graduated, the last thing an employer wants to hear is that you do not like waking up early or don’t like being on a schedule. You are getting paid a salary to be a professional – take advantage of the opportunity.
- Attitude is (close to) everything. Be the kind of employee you’d like to spend time with. Glass half full, eager to help, punctual and kind.
For more business tips, refer to my business etiquette archives.
Good Luck,
About the Author:
Diane Gottsman is a national etiquette expert and a popular "go to" resource to the modern executive. She travels nationally teaching corporations and universities in the finer points of manners and protocol. Diane is the owner of The Protocol School of Texas and the resident etiquette expert on a successful morning television show, SA Living, an NBC television affiliate. She is routinely quoted in national media outlets such as Real Simple, HGTV Magazine, The New York Times, CNN, Bloomberg Business Week, U.S. News & World Report, CBS Money Watch, Kiplinger's and Forbes. The latter publication previously named her blog one of the "Top 100 Websites for Women."
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi Diane,
As always, I appreciate your posts. The only thing I don’t agree with is the smiley face. I concur that they are too often over-used, but in a pinch, I think they can work as shorthand to soften a message. Having worked remotely in various settings, I know that emoticons can help when tone of voice or body language are not available cues.
-Anne
Hello Anne,
I actually agree with you. However, overusing any emoticon appears unprofessional. The keyword is here is overuse:) Thank you for your continued support.
Best,
Diane