Best Advice you can give anyone starting off in the workfield?

[Hawkeye]

OK this is a spinoff from the post below but say someone is new starting off in the professional world or even a retail person etc what is the best advice you can give them? The reason I ask is because if you think about it a lot of people starting off don't have anyone to tell them what is appropriate what is not or they just think they know but really don't.

Anyway-let the advice begin!

I'll post mine a little later-as I have to cook dinner right now

 

[lara]

The main bit of advice I can give someone starting out work in retail or as a junior in a professional field is that uniform requirements/expectations are not a plot by The Man to oppress your personal freedoms and crush your individuality. Stop bitching and wear the ugly shirt.

 

[stacey]

Always be professional. Always be confident. Fake it till you make it.

Always have a goal set in mind that you can atain, and when you do set a new goal and atain that too.

 

[SMMY]

Jump at the chance to learn new skills, if offered. If your manager asks or offers you the chance to expand your job duties or description, take it. Especially if it involves training or classes. It shows initiative and will also expand your resume at the same time.

 

[faifai]

In retail--don't take it personally if customers are bitchy, annoying, rude, demanding, etc. I'd always get flustered and semi-panicky when customers would act like that, and my feelings would easily come out in my tone (either cold and pissed as hell or scared). Always be professional, but don't let them walk all over you. And don't be afraid of asking for help from a manager/co-worker if someone is giving you problems.

 

[aquarius11]

Remember to bring your confidence to work with you. Don't leave it at home! You can conquer almost anything when you believe in yourself and your abilities. Like faifai said, don't take it personal if customers act beastly; their attitude is NOT your problem, unless you purposely did something that pissed them off. Walk with your head up high, stand straight (this posture "makes" you look like you know what you're doing), and "act" as if you can assist a customer, even if you are clueless. There is always room to learn. And also, make good connections with your co-workers; they are a source of help for you and you can use them as a learning tool. Learn by watching their approach and the way they execute whatever it is the customer wants or needs, and witness a positive closure to the sale.

 

[Beauty Mark]

-Don't burn bridges if you work for a powerful or highly respected company. These people know people, and if you can't use them as a reference, it looks bad. If you can use them as a reference, you have so much going for you.

-Watch your mouth until you get a feel for the office and even then, be careful. Not only should you not swear, but also don't gossip. It can be destructive and create enemies.

-Show up on time and show up and actually work. It's a given, but you wouldn't believe how many friends of mine are late (not like 5 min, significant) and don't understand why their bosses are pissed and reprimand them. Actually doing work means don't screw off on the Internet; a friend got really yelled at for that one.

-Be aware there are simply some things that occur in most offices. Gossiping, unfriendly co-workers, boss not there to hold your hand and go "Atta girl" through project. People suck, and you have to learn to cope with that, as well as working independently. It isn't perfect, but you have to weigh your complaints out. Again, I've had friends who've quit jobs at the slightest problem, when the reality is that it wasn't that bad and it's the kind of thing that happens a lot of places. Nothing in life is perfect With that said

-Don't put up with extreme BS. Sexual harrassment, company bad ethics, Wal-Mart style abuse of power, extreme stupidity from boss (one of my friends was written up for taking off to take care of her miscarriage) those are valid reasons to quit.

Finally, the only other thing I can say is if you're not in love with your job (you're just okay with it), keep it and look for another job or learn to deal with it. Your first job isn't supposed to be your dream job and your career shouldn't be the only place you use for your identity