Most likely, your first year on the job will be a series of ups and downs, successes and failures both. However, there are some surefire strategies to ensure that your initial year represents a solid beginning.
- Learn Your Job. Become proficient at the responsibilities for which you were hired. Some people concentrate their efforts on getting promoted without focusing on the tasks at hand. For true on-the-job success, you need to learn to do a great job, no matter how trivial your tasks might seem to you.
- Earn the Respect of Your Co-workers and Superiors. This is the time to begin establishing your professional image. Let people know you're serious about your work by being honest, responsible, and ethical. Once you prove yourself, you'll gain acceptance among your peers and be acknowledged as a valued part of the team.
- Make a Good Impression. Everyone will be watching the new employee. The impressions you make during this first year will stick with you and set the course for your career. Pay attention to detail. Strive to get your work done correctly the first time. Avoid making the same mistake twice. Work past conventional business hours to get your work done if that's what it takes; staying late will further demonstrate your diligence.
- Practice Proper Phone Etiquette. Answer your phone with a professional greeting; a simple "Hello" just doesn't cut it in a work environment. You may want to ask your employer how to answer the phone, since different companies and positions within companies often have their own requirements. Be patient and pleasant no matter how tired or exasperated you may be. Speak slowly and distinctly; do not mumble. When you place a call, be sure to identify yourself and state your business in a clear manner.
- The office is not the place for personal calls. If you must make or receive an occasional personal call, keep it short and to the point.
- Make Proper Introductions. Etiquette books call for the person of authority to be introduced first. Senior executives, customers, and distinguished guests usually fall into this category. You might say, "Mr. Smith" (your boss), "I'd like to introduce Sam Taylor" (your friend). When introducing yourself, leave off courtesy titles: "I'm Sandra Walker. It's nice to meet you."
- Watch Your Language. Profanity and slang have no place in the business world. Learn office jargon and use it when appropriate. Focus on being clear in both your written and verbal communications.
- Dress for Success. Note what your peers wear and follow their examples. You may have to leave those tee shirts and jeans for after-business hours and become accustomed to pantyhose or ties if they are the office standard. You can't go wrong with classic cuts and styles, quality fabrics, and good tailoring. Even if your budget is slim, it's better to invest in a few versatile basics than a closetful of trendy sale items that don't look professional. Wear you best clothes on days when meetings or appointments are scheduled.
- Keep Your Work Space Businesslike. Offices can reflect the personalities of their occupants so long as the overall decor is not offensive or un-professional. A few personal touches are fine. Photos, diplomas, and awards are suitable, as are a few healthy plants. Avoid racy posters and calendars or posted slogans that reflect a negative attitude such as "I love my job; it's the work I hate" or "Is it Friday yet?"
- Be Organized. Set up a filing system that works for you. Avoid office clutter. Keep your desk clean and bulletin board neat, and you'll find you can be more productive. You may want to set aside a few minutes at the beginning or end of each day to do housekeeping.
- Remember You Won't Be New Forever. Eventually, you'll get to know the ropes just as your co-workers did. With a little enthusiasm, professionalism, and common sense, you'll be well on your way to a successful career.
One of the most valuable qualities you can develop is a positive attitude. A good attitude will make you more appealing to a potential employer and a more likely candidate for advancement once you have a job. Many employers will even hire people with less experience if they display enthusiasm for the job and a desire to learn. Here are some ways to exude a positive image:
- Smile frequently.
- Don't complain about work, either to employers or co-workers.
- Always offer to help out.
- Be willing to learn new skills.
- Go the extra mile for your employer.
- Look for the positive aspects of difficult situations.
- Be gracious.
- Appear conscientious about your work.
- Show enthusiasm for new ideas.
- Be well groomed.
- Congratulate others on their successes.
- Resolve conflicts in a professional manner.
- Pay attention to detail in your work.
- Develop good interpersonal skills.
Because so many people have extenuating circumstances that affect their work schedules, many companies are developing new ways to accommodate their employees. A number of factors are contributing to this trend.
- There are an increasing number of single-parent families.
- More professional women want to raise their children while continuing in their careers.
- Older employees wish to postpone retirement but reduce their working hours.
- Employees are more conscious of the amount of time they spend commuting.
- American workers are placing more value on personal time.
- More workers want to continue their education while employed.
Standard Work Schedule
Based on a 40-hour work week, this is the most common schedule. The 40 hours usually does not include lunchtime. The typical business begins its day at 8:30 A.M. or 9:00 A.M. and is open until 5:00 P.M. or 5:30 P.M., Monday through Friday. However, many businesses may start at different hours; construction companies often start their day quite early, and restaurants may not open until 10:00 A.M.
Flextime
This type of schedule gives employees a choice of work hours. Some may prefer to start work early and finish early, while others may prefer to start work later and finish later. Employees thus are able to gear their schedules to optimum commuting times or child care arrangements. Core time represents the hours each day the employees are required to be at work, and employees select which of the remaining hours they prefer. In all, each employee must work a 40-hour week.
Job Sharing
In job sharing, two people divide the responsibilities of a regular full-time job. This type of arrangement is becoming more common, especially among women who wish to spend time at home with their children while continuing to work at their profession.
Compressed Work Week
By extending the workday beyond the standard eight hours, employees can create a schedule in which they work the required 40 hours in a three- or four-day week.
