Professionalism-On the Job

Going-to-work Skills

Interviewees who possess basic 'going-to-work' skills are likely to have an edge with employers. Employers expect job candidates and their employees to:

• Be on time, or even early
• Dress appropriately
• Act in a professional manner
• Take responsibility for day-to-day tasks
• Have a sense of business etiquette
• Have a strong work ethic
• Behave in a mature manner
  

• Speak politely to all people in the office, no matter what their relationship is to you.
• Use positive verbal and non-verbal communication, including body language.
• Respect others' differences and needs.
• Consider feelings and concerns of the individuals around you.
• Listen when others speak, even if you disagree.
• Don't let disagreements affect your behavior.
  

• Learn the office hierarchy. If you know who's in charge and what they're in charge of, you will have a better sense of what your own responsibilities are, who to go to for questions and help, and who needs to approve your projects and workload. This way you can avoid 'stepping on toes' which can, in the world of office politics, lead to uncomfortable situations in the work environment.
• Try to get a sense of the culture, in and outside of the office. Do people have casual relationships, do you need to engage in social activities after work, do colleagues keep to themselves and only communicate professionally? You will be more comfortable in your workplace if you understand how the people who already work there engage with each other.
• Keep in mind that having friendly and even romantic relationships outside the office can be fun, but can also be disastrous. Working with an 'ex' can be very uncomfortable. Know if your employer has rules about romantic relationships among co-workers. If your relationship becomes public, not only will you be uncomfortable, but you could be unemployed!
• Don't gossip. If you have personal conversations with your colleagues, it's a good policy not to repeat what you've heard. If you discover information about something or someone in the workplace that's supposed to be confidential, it's most often best to keep it to yourself.
• Communicate with your supervisor. Know what's expected of you and ask questions when you're unsure. Take credit for your accomplishments, but admit when you've done something wrong.
• You'll sometimes have to deal with angry colleagues or supervisors. It's best to listen, then react in a calm manner. Getting angry in return will not help the situation.

Privacy

Discussing confidential work related and/or personal issues while you're in the office can often lead to problems- even if you're in the bathroom, the elevator, or building exit.

Avoid having conversations about confidential office matters anywhere in public-not on the phone, on a plane, a bus- people listen.

Dress

• Regardless of your company's dress-code, there are certain standards for professional dress that should be followed in any office environment.
• Clothes should be clean and not torn and appropriate to the particular work environment.
  
• Clothing that could be considered to be sexually provocative should not be worn (i.e. midriff-bearing tops or low-rise pants).
• Wear clothing that will not inhibit you from doing your job.
• Consider the physical environment in which you may be working.
  
• Be comfortable-not sloppy.
  
• High-fashion and trendy items might be fun, but aren't always appropriate for work.
  
• Dress for the position you want, not the one you have. If you're a receptionist but you hope to make your way up to management, dress the management part.
  

• The photocopy and fax machine should not be used for personal items.
  
• Don't over-use the phone for personal calls, especially long distance. It is not appropriate to have lengthy personal phone calls when you are on the job. Personal long distance calls should only be made after receiving permission from your supervisor.
  
• Your desk is an office resource as well. Are you allowed to listen to the radio or the computer CD player? Are you permitted to eat and drink in your office space? Be aware of office policies regarding what you can and can't do with your space and the space of others. You may be allowed to drink your coffee at your own desk, but it might be inappropriate to bring it into a conference room or to a co-worker's office.
  
• Know office policies regarding email and personal usage of your office email account. Your computer at work belongs to your office, not to you, so keep personal usage of your office computer to a minimum.

Social Engagements

When you're out on the town with colleagues, or even at an office party or social function, it's still important to maintain a level of professionalism.

• Be sure to attend office parties and functions.
• While attendance may be 'optional,' you won't be seen as a team player if you don't show up.
  
• \Make it a point to say hello to your boss when you get to the function. You should also stay for an appropriate amount of time-don't rush to leave as soon as you get there.
  
• Be a good listener. You'll find that you can establish better relationships with the people you work with if you ask them about themselves, rather than only talking about yourself.
  
• Mingle! Don't get locked into the same crowd of people, or you could be seen as cliquish. Don't be a wallflower or you could be seen as unfriendly.
  
• Be careful about alcohol consumption. Even if you think you can "handle" your alcohol, it's best to have complete control of yourself when socializing with colleagues and supervisors.