Job Hunt: Being On Time and Showing It

Hard-working and able to show up on time are two key skills Vivyann Nguyen looks for when she hires employees. Many employers look for these attributes. The challenge for job hunters is how to effectively communicate that on a resume.

Nguyen is co-owner of La Petite Nails in Shorewood. She explained that many times nail technicians will schedule appointments at 9 a.m. and not show up until after 10. This is a complaint many employers have in different industries.

Here are some ways job hunters can clearly communicate these traits to potential bosses.

Everybody says they are hardworking, pay attention to detail and are willing to learn. Those trite phrases are substantially overused. Instead, write sentences that demonstrate what you have accomplished. Give examples:

• "Frequently praised on reviews for consistently being early or on time."
• "Prefer to arrive early to organize day before I punch in."
• "Routinely checked emails, voicemails before office opened."
• "Often ate at my desk to have lunch hour catching up, preparing for afternoon."

Anytime you can cite praise you received from a prior boss, you should. Even if it was informally, in passing. 

• "Bosses have often praised me for being early or working late."

Don't confuse being on time with working like a slave. You do not need to send the message that you are chained to your desk. That is not healthy for anyone, including your bosses. Be careful, don't over do it. Instead, one or two references is enough to let your resume reader know you are hard working.

The same holds true in an interview. Be sure to let them  know you are willing to work hard. Also communicate that when you are off work, you are indeed off. If you are in a field where you can work from home, then it is OK to say you check email in the morning before you leave the house. 

Otherwise, do not mention it even if it were true. Soften these kinds of statements in an interview so you don't appear excessively boastful.

• "Sometimes if I know I have a busy day coming up, I will check my email from home to get a jump start. However, that is not typical. I like working hard when I am at work, then I focus on home when I'm there. That helps me not worry about home when I'm working and vice versa."

Employers will respect that. It shows you have your priorities straight. 

Also, keep in mind that interviewers are expecting you to over inflate yourself. Always be as real as possible.

When you make a statement, give a brief context so they know what you are talking about. Don't just say you are always on time. Tell them why. If you like have a few minutes to yourself in the morning before the mad rush starts, then say so. 

Keeping it real makes you believable. Believable makes you honest. When employers think you're honest, they know they can trust  you.