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Be the Best Employee Possible

Worried about your job? Wondering how you'll survive a job reduction or loss? Do you work with clients and want to give them an edge in succeeding on their new job? It might sound simple, but one of the most effective things you can do is to be the best employee that you can be.

This is not to trivialize job loss for anyone and of course does not apply to companies who are completely closing their doors. Many more companies are trying to slash costs and that includes manpower hours. So what can you do to make sure you stand out? Here are some awesome tips from the award-winning Ultimate Job Search for the 21st Century video series, Success on the Job segment.

Be a positive force. Nothing brings down the morale faster in the workplace than a grumpy, unhappy attitude. Try to solve problems on your own before involving supervisors.

Don't take excessive advantage of perks, benefits, office supplies or equipment. No one wants to feel taken advantage of, including employers.

Keep personal and work issues separate. Everyone has things to deal with in their personal lives, but don't let it interfere or distract from your work environment.

Be part of the team. Pitch in when asked. Ask what you can do to contribute, even when not asked. Volunteer to learn new skills or take on new tasks. Be proactive.

Work well with others. This means being friendly and approachable to those you work with. Respect other opinions and viewpoints. Be tolerant of different views.

Your goal should be to get along with everyone. Stay away from cliques. Don't get pulled into gossip. Treat others with respect and courtesy.

Be on your best behavior in social situations, even if they take place after hours. Your reputation is your calling card and you do not want to stain yours. Socialize responsibly. This includes moderating the use of alcohol in social activities and not participating in illegal activities.

Your goal should be to be an enthusiastic, positive and proactive team-player; one your co-workers can count on!

This next set of tips is specific for promotion and raises, but we think it really applies well to ensuring that your value as an employee stays high.

Try new job duties or tasks. Volunteer for them if possible. Always be helpful and willing to participate when asked, especially in special assignments or projects.

Keep honing your professional expertise. Take on-line or traditional courses, attend workshops, read books, etc. Developing your professional abilities increases your value to your current employer and those you work with. Let those around you know that you're upgrading your skills.

Keep a record of your accomplishments. Let your supervisors know what you have done and how you did it. Make sure you do this in a way that does not come across as bragging, which no one likes.

Keep actively practicing your "good employee" habits--being a team player, dressing appropriately, being on time, etc.

Dress for success. It may seem cliché, but part of being promotable is maintaining a professional image.

Listen to your job review/evaluations carefully. If your boss tells you there are areas in which you can better, do it to the best of your ability and let them know what you're doing to improve.

Do your research. Be aware of the trends and goals of your company. In which areas are they likely to need assistance in the future? There's your cue on where to concentrate your research and training.

Does your company offer on-the-job training programs? Look into this as a way to be trained in new skills without having to look for a new job.

And if you do not own a copy of The Ultimate Job Search for the 21st Century for any variety of reasons, now is the perfect time to purchase the set. In this tough economy you want to be armed with the best knowledge out there and to impart that knowledge to your customers. Ordering information for The Ultimate Job Search is available at www.NLC.ucdenver.edu/ujs.

 


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