CAREER SUCCESS 
Career Success Tips:
You have found a job and now you have to find a way to keep it and do well.
Here are some general tips for succeeding on the job:
- Ask for your boss for feedback on your performance and ways you can improve your job performance. Ask him or her what you are also doing well. Don’t wait for performance appraisals!
- Sounds simple but just show up for work and be on time and leave on time. Occasionally, you may be asked to work late, so try and be flexible. Everyone gets sick so it is understandable that you will have to call in once in a while. If you need a personal day or vacation time, let your supervisor know as soon as you can. Take your breaks and lunch breaks as scheduled and return on time.
- Follow rules and procedures regarding clocking in or out or completing a time sheet.
- Practice good time management. Set daily goals and complete your work on time. “To-do” lists are helpful and keep a calendar of your appointments. Use your e-mail tools and calendars so you can receive reminders on your computer. Check out computerized technology tools and gadgets to keep you organized.
- Always show your willingness to learn new things or how to do things better. When you not sure how to do something, ask someone to show you how. Flexibility and willingness to learn new things is important.
- Let supervisors know if you have any problems or concerns. Always keep your supervisor informed.
- Do things without being told. If you finish your work, it is always a good idea to ask if there is anything else you can do. You may also ask co-workers if they need help with anything too.
- If someone starts to speak about someone else, just walk away or let them know that you don’t feel comfortable talking about others.
- Take pride in your work. Don’t just do the minimum that is required.
- Don’t just identify problems but come up with solutions to the problems.
- Take constructive feedback positively no mater how much you hate to have someone correct you. If you did make a mistake and are corrected, be willing to admit your mistake and apologize.
- Continually update your skills and take continuing education classes and workshops.
- Join professional organizations and attend their meetings and workshops to network and stay current in your field and industry.
- Take courses, attend workshops and read professional journals, magazines and books in your career field and in your industry.
- Keep a journal and portfolio of your accomplishments. This is particularly important if you are seeking a promotion or changing jobs. You can show the interviewer your accomplishments.
- Practice good written and verbal communication skills. Don’t interrupt others while they are speaking. Watch your tone and talk with a pleasant tone of voice.
- Keep resources near your desk to help you write letters and reports and don’t forget to proof read.
- Be honest and trustworthy.
- Dress appropriately for the job; clothes should be clean and neatly pressed. Practice good grooming habits. Regularly cut and style your hair, shower/bathe every day, don’t wear too much cologne, wear deodorant, get manicures (generally follow the same rules required for the interview.
- Don’t show up for work drunk or on drugs. Remember, some employers will continually require random drug testing even after you are hired.
- Practice good safety at work.
- Keep personal phone calls or personal visits to a minimum. They should be made during your time unless there is a family emergency. Don’t use your cell phone to call or text message during work hours.
- Don’t use your e-mail for personal e-mails. Don’t check your personal e-mail from your work computers.
- If you resign, let the boss know at least two weeks in advance. If you are in a supervisory position, you should let them know at least four weeks in advance. Give as much notice as possible and let them know that you will do what is necessary to help with the transition.