Don’t rule anything out. Just because you don’t love your current job, doesn’t mean it’s not a valuable learning experience. For example, if you are currently working as a telemarketer and dislike the job, chances are you are still learning valuable skills about how to effectively communicate with people and manage difficult situations.
Don’t think any task is below you. If someone asks you to do something for them, do it fast, to the best of your ability and with a smile. This will earn you the respect and confidence of your co-workers. You will be the go-to person for projects and eventually, you will be given more and more responsibility.
Don’t bring your personal life into the office (Part One). Although you may have had a great weekend, sharing the details of it is unprofessional. Depending on what you did, it could give your managers and co-workers a negative perception of you.
Don’t bring your personal life into the office (Part Two). Don’t come to work in a poor mood. Attitude is everything. Even if you are having a bad day, fake a smile. Bringing a positive attitude to the work place will give the impression that you are a likeable person, and are easy to work with. Remember body language is very important as well.
Don’t try to make a fashion statement every day. While maintaining your individuality can be important, it is even more important to maintain a professional, polished appearance at all times. If your company has a dress code, follow it, rather than trying to walk the line between what is, and is not, acceptable attire. Dress for the position you wish to hold within the company.
Don’t decorate your desk or office like a dorm room. It is okay to have a small plant and a few framed photos, but using the walls as a collage or covering your work surface with trinkets isn’t professional. It can distract you from the work your doing and be distracting to others. Show your co-workers and boss that you are there to do your best work and have your desk portray this.
Don’t stop looking for a job because you have found one. You never know when the next opportunity may present itself, both within your company and externally. Keep your eyes and ears open and keep your resume current. However, if you are planning on looking for a position outside your current company, it is important to keep your search quiet.
Don’t bring your cell phone to work, unless you need it to perform your job. A lot of recent college graduates can’t put their cell phones down. Keep in mind, all of the time texting, checking social media and sending emails cuts into the time you can be productive at work. Your employer can see this and it can hold you back. Your cell phone is for personal time and emergencies only. Put it out of sight so you can focus on your work at hand.
Don’t be afraid to speak up. If you feel there is a process within your office that can be done better, more cost effectively, or done in a way that saves the company time — tell your boss. Don’t be surprised if they ask you to research it and present them with a full report.
Don’t be afraid of doing hard work. Expect to work long, hard hours to get ahead. There are lots of new college graduates and people who have lost their jobs out there that would love your position. Set yourself apart from them by showing your co-workers, and boss, that you are willing to dig in and get dirty to get the job done.
The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?
