Anticipate
that advancement is more likely to be reflected in expanded job
functions, rather than upward moves on a corporate pyramid.
Be
friends with everyone. Keep in mind that today's enemy may be tomorrow's
boss.
Constructive
criticism should be welcomed. Accept whatever seems to make sense
to you.
Don't
bad mouth your colleagues, your employer, or even competitors. People
respond best to those who are positive.
Evaluations
of job performance can be very helpful. If your organization does
not conduct periodic evaluations, ask your supervisors for feedback.
Friends
can make any job easier and more pleasant. However, when you are
new, avoid too close relationships until you get a clearer sense
of the organization and people.
Give
some thought to the style and culture which characterize your employer
and adjust to them.
Hobbies
and other interests outside of work will make you a more interesting
person and provide a psychological cushion when things are going
bad at work.
Identify
one or more people who do the kind of work you'd like and try to
shadow their activities.
Join
professional organizations in your field. The contacts may help
with your job and assist if you seek to change positions.
Keep
in touch with co-workers who left to join other organizations. They
may help if you wish to change jobs.
Look
for tasks where you can acquire new skills or achievements to add
to your resume.
Mentors
can play an important role in careers. In early years, seek out
one or two who may help you advance. In later years, become a mentor
to younger workers who may help you execute your responsibilities.
Negotiating
is a very important skill in corporate nowadays. Add it to your
repertoire.
Observe
how the most successful employees operate and try to emulate their
skills.
Paperwork
is important. Save copies of job-related correspondence, reports
of which you are proud, etc. to document your career.
Quitting
a job is always difficult. If you change employers, try to leave
without alienating those who remain with the organization.
Recessions
and cutbacks may be anticipated. Have a few fallback positions or
a paying part-time job in mind.
Salary
is important but the long-range potential of a job is even more
critical.
Teamwork
rather than individual activity seems to be the key to success in
today's work world.
Unless
you clearly stand out in a group, seek projects where your work
will be clearly identified and recognized.
Volunteer
with community organizations. Employers like staff members who perform
community service and you may develop contacts which may help your
career.
Work
smart, not just hard. Put the most emphasis on your most critical
functions.
X-cell
yourself. That's the best way to ensure career success. Nothing
will help your career more than a reputation for high quality work.
Your
boss will play a key role in determining your future prospects.
Learn what he or she thinks are the
most important parts of your job and emphasize them.
Zero
in on your organizations goals and keep them in mind as you make
daily on-the-job decisions.
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