So you handed over a killer résumé, nailed the interview, and got the job—congrats!
Now it’s time to get to work at keeping it.
Don’t be late. Not only does lateness make a bad impression, but your employer is paying you for your time. If you are not using the time you have sold them wisely, they will not continue to buy it from you. If you must be late, call your boss and let him or her know. Don’t rely on someone else to relay the information.
Monkey see, monkey do. Keep an eye on who has worked at your organization or company for a while to pick up on the ‘unwritten rules’ there. For instance, if you don’t see anyone eating or drinking at their desk, you shouldn’t either. Another thing to consider: do others make appointments to see managers in their offices or do they just drop in?
If you can’t say anything nice, then don’t say anything at all. It’s extremely disrespectful to criticize your company, your boss or your coworkers. Never criticize the company in front of someone you work with or even someone who knows someone you work with. In fact, it would be best not to criticize at all. Furthermore, personal social networking and work are two spheres that should not touch. Don’t post anything online you wouldn’t want your boss—or your grandmother—to read or see.
Flexibility is key. Employers like people who are able to work in many different situations. Being able to work alone or with a team, and being able to lead as well as follow are valuable assets.
Don’t be afraid to volunteer to do jobs other people brush off if your time allows, and don’t be the person who gets out of doing something by saying “That’s not my job.”
Be positive. For many people, a fairly constant cheerful attitude will require work, but nobody wants to work with someone who’s a ‘downer’. Smile. See solutions, not problems.
Do the best job you can. You should work to fulfill your employer’s expectations to the best of your ability. Make yourself indispensable by becoming the “go-to” person for a specific task, and you’re likely to be remembered—in a good way.
