Track 1

Career Advice for Students:

• Career Choice: The Starting Gate


• The Almighty Internship


• They're Watching You: The Do's and Don'ts of Workplace Behaviors

They're Watching You:
The Do's and Don'ts of Workplace Behaviors

Starting your first professional job is exciting. It can also be a little intimidating. In addition to accomplishing what is required vis à vis your job description, there is a bit more that is expected of you-some of which will never be communicated outright and hence the reason to read on.

Just like learning table manners and saying "excuse me" if you need to pass someone, there are specific etiquette rules that relate to the workplace. Here is most of what you probably need to know:

1. The proper way to call in sick is to connect with your supervisor immediately at the start of the workday. Unless you are so ill that you are physically unable to speak, you should make the call.

2. Give your supervisor as much notice as possible if you need any personal time off. Even though you are entitled to vacation time, and that time should be at your discretion, it is proper etiquette to ask for the time by saying, "I would like to take the week of February 12th for a vacation. Is that okay with you?"

3. Be punctual. Respect the workday hours and don't be a clock-watcher. Notice when the most conscientious staff members arrive and leave and use that as a guideline.

4. Always dress appropriately for the work environment. If you are going out after work, bring a change of clothes with you and change when you arrive at your destination.

5. Don't take care of personal business while at work. It is wrong to surf the Internet, make or receive personal phone calls, instant message friends, or even spend significant amounts of time in idle chatter with colleagues. This is true even if you have finished your work ahead of schedule and there is nothing else to do. In a workplace, there is always something that needs attention. If it doesn't jump out at you, ask how you can contribute.

6. Think carefully before personalizing your workspace. Use good judgment in choosing pictures or knickknacks for your desk.

7. Don't write a single e-mail message that could ever embarrass you if it was read by your boss or colleagues. Remember, the company owns the computer and can access the server where your e-mails have been.

8. Steer clear of office politics. If colleagues are bad-mouthing the boss behind her back, don't contribute your two cents. It is almost guaranteed to backfire on you.

9. Be wary of adversarial relationships. Cliques of employees sometimes develop at work. As the newbie, it won't be long before someone tries to recruit you to their camp. Stay out of the war by telling each person, separately, that you don't want to be in the middle.

10. Contribute in due time. If something seems like it should be changed, you may indeed have a great idea or you may be naïve to the bigger picture. Start your job be being a great listener and observer.

11. If a job goes sour and you need to quit, squelch your hostility and take the high road. Write a business-like letter of resignation and give two weeks notice.

Note to editors and publishers: M J Feld, President of Careers by Choice, Inc. hereby authorizes the reprinting of the content from Career Central. If you wish to do so, please provide the proper citation as follows: This content was provided by M J Feld, a master's level career counselor and certified professional resume writer. Additional career advice can be found on her website, www.careersbychoice.com.