Getting Started on Your Career

BEFORE YOU START You got the job, now what? Are you ready for work? The following is a checklist that you should review before you start work. Do you have the proper clothing or equipment you need? Is there a dress code? Uniforms? Have you observed what other workers wear on the job? Do you know how you will get to work? Taxi, bus, carpool? How long does it take to get there? Do you need daycare? Pet care? Is there a back up plan in case of an emergency? Are there medical, dental or other appointments you should schedule before you start work? Do you have everything you need? Do you know who you report to at work? Being ready for work will save you worry, embarrassment or anxiety down the road. Being prepared also helps you make a great first impression.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS You'll probably be nervous your first day of work. These reminders may help you stay positive and give a great first impression. Set your alarm for an early rise to ensure plenty of time to arrive early. Smile and introduce yourself. Ask questions and accept directions eagerly. Ask about policies, coffee breaks, etc. Don't speak critically about your last job. Don't try to become too familiar too quickly. Don't make personal calls or have friends visit Focus on doing the job right Ask others for help and accept offered advice graciously. Keep your personal life away from work Don't use work computer for personal business - even on your break! At the end of the day you can answer YES to most of these questions, congratulations on making a great first impression! If there are some No's, make a note on how you can make improvements in those areas.

DRESS AND GROOMING The positive attitude you display will be enhanced by the message you send out through your dress and grooming. Be aware of dress codes before you start work. Be sure that your clothing is neat, clean and without rips or stains. Know what policies apply regarding your safety and dress codes. Shower or bath daily; shave; use deodorant and wash hair regularly. Brush teeth before work and after lunch; use breath mints or mouthwash if you smoke. Keep nails trimmed and clean. Most places are now scent free - keep make-up and scents subtle.

ETHICS AT WORK Ethics are the principals and standards that govern our actions. Ethical behaviour at work can be summarized as honesty, accountability and respect.

HONESTY Be truthful Avoid 'time theft' by being on time, keeping personal tasks out of the workplace and by committing to a full day's work. Not assuming personal use of workplace equipment or taking work supplies home.

ACCOUNTABILITY Taking responsibility for and 'owning' your actions and mistakes. Avoid making excuses or blaming others. Admit not knowing & then find out, to avoid making mistakes.

RESPECT Respect yourself Respect others Respect the organization for which you work.

MAKING ETHICAL DECISIONS If you are unsure about the ethics of a situation, it may help to ask yourself these questions. Is it legal? How does it make you feel/ What if your actions were made public? Will it harm anyone? Is it fair? Would you feel differently if you owned the company? If you were the customer?

SOCIALIZING AT WORK Getting along with the people you work with is essential to effective and productive teamwork. A good start is having a positive attitude that makes you the kind of person others want to be around. Be sure your 'social' behaviour on the job is working for you. Take an interest in everyone; don't exclude people or become part of a 'clique'. Attend company activities such as sporting events, lunches, staff parties. Avoid gossiping, talking behind someone's back or taking 'sides' in internal conflicts. Don't partake in 'humour' that is sexist, racist or otherwise offensive. Do not ask coworkers to buy products from you and be assertive if you don't want to buy from them. Accept coworkers as they are and avoid passing judgment on their lifestyle choices. Don't make assumptions about what people may be interested in (i.e. not all men love hockey and not everyone who wears baggy pants love rap music). Don't bring aspects of your personal life, especially problems, into the workplace. Coworkers do sometimes become very close friends but don't let friendship get in the way of being a part of the team.

TIME MANAGEMENT Think about how you spend your time. None of us are immune to people, places, distractions or things that get in the way of our work. We have to learn to make the most of our day. Here are some tips for using your time effectively. Plan and set priorities Know your peak times Be flexible Organize your workplace. Concentrate on one thing at a time. Set time lines and stick to them. Avoid letting the telephone be a time waster. Take advantage of the quiet times. Make a list - brainstorm alternate solutions for getting things done.