Happy August! We hope that you are trying to stay cool. In a recent survey of our clients and employers they expressed concern about the poor quality of workers available today. This may come as a surprise with so many people still unemployed. They have stated that we seem to have lowered the bar on our expectations from employees, and they are now beginning to really focus on raising this bar again. Below are some tips for you to keep your current job and/or impress your employers when you land your dream job. Hopefully this will help you stay out of the group of "poor quality" workers.
Tip #1: Be Available
It's inevitable that, at some point, your supervisor or co-workers will approach you and ask for your help on an outside project or assignment. Although it might be tempting ignore those emails or say no to additional work, don't. You might think that no one will notice if you don't help with extra work, but they will. And, although it's not technically in your job description, more companies today must do more with less--meaning each employee needs to be flexible and multi-skilled. Make yourself indispensible by pitching in on other assignments when possible.
Tip #2: Dress to Impress
Some of the best job advice I've heard is to always dress at least one step above your current position. Our company dress codes have become so casual that at times it is taken too far. It helps others picture you working above your current position and makes you look extremely professional if you dress up. You're not just an intern/entry-level professional. You have the potential to be so much more--so act like it.
Tip #3: Strive for Perfection but Own Up to Mistakes
No one is perfect. And while doing projects to the best of your ability is something you should strive to do, it doesn't mean you'll never make a mistake or do something incorrectly. If you make a mistake, own up to it and correct it. Remember to not lose sight of the overall goal by focusing too much on the little details. You could potentially miss deadlines and quality of your work--not to mention drive your co-workers (and boss) crazy.
Tip #4: Seek Feedback
Many workplaces still don't give employees feedback more than a few times per year. If you wait around for feedback for several months, you're doing yourself (and your organization) a disservice. Instead of waiting for your supervisor to come to you, ask to set up a quick meeting to discuss your progress thus far and any improvements you could make. Bring up specific projects you've completed and ask for feedback on things you were unsure about. This way, you know where you stand in your position and at the company--before a formal performance review comes across your desk.
Tip #5: Get Out From Behind Your Desk and be a Team Player
Even if you're doing spectacular work, you could be overlooked if you sit at your desk each day and avoid interactions with co-workers and upper management. When you need a break, head over to the break room or cafeteria and interact with other workers in your office. Not only will this help reduce stress on the job, but you'll have the potential to make some great professional relationships, too.
Tip #6: Ask Questions
Some people think asking questions is a sign of weakness. But when you're unsure how to complete a task, it can be hard to do it the right way the first time without clarification. When assigned a new project, ask any questions that might come up right then and there. You might also want to inquire about how your success will be measured and how often you should update your boss on the progress. Your supervisor would much rather that you ask questions now in order to avoid potential problems later.
