Happy work birthday to me!!
Yesterday I celebrated my second work anniversary. Whoa, that feels weird to write. Two years ago I was coming out of a year-long internship and a several-month-long job search that resulted in me applying to everything with an opening and hearing nothing. I thought I would never be able to move out of my parents' house (spoiler alert: even though I have a job I'm still here) and would never enter true adulthood.
Even when I finally received a job offer, moved into my cube and started getting acclimated to the "real world," I never felt responsible enough to actually hold down a job. If I'm being honest, I still don't feel qualified. However, I like to think that in the past two years I've done a pretty good job of putting on my professional face each morning and showing that I'm capable of taking on the corporate world.
Hindsight is 20/20 and while I didn't know all of these office etiquette tips when I first started, I couldn't image surviving without them. Whether you're just starting a job or need a refresher on how to get the most out of your career, I hope this helps!
- Show your best work: Before I get into any other tips, I want to point out that the reason you have a job is because someone hired you to take on certain responsibilities. With that in mind, always remember that the quality of your work is what people remember and what makes you stand out. Take pride in what you do and always strive to give it your all, even when you're working on a deadline. No task it too small that it doesn't deserve at least some of your attention.
- Time is of the essence: Always respond to emails, IMs and voicemails in a timely manner. Many tasks can't be completed until a response is received, so don't hold someone else's job up because you can't answer an email. A coworker once referred to quick email responses as 'internal customer service' and that really resonated with me. Quick responses show you're on top of your game and capable of doing many things at once. And, they also make people like you more.
- Don't be afraid to be social: Get involved with the people you work with. Whether it's the company Christmas party or happy hour with some people in your department, fully commit yourself to your job, both professional and socially. It gets your face out there more and makes your job even more fulfilling. You spend the majority of your life at work, so you might as well enjoy some of it. Even social butterflies have a place in the office.
- Take a lunch break (or any break): I live for my lunch break, literally. When you're facing a long workday, it's nice to know that one hour is yours to run errands or leisurely enjoy your lunch and take a mental break. If you can't manage a lunch break, take a walk around your office and enjoy the outdoors. I don't do this myself, but my work buddies who do love it.
- Speak up when you have something to say: If you're in a meeting and have a relevant idea or comment, speak up. Don't keep quiet because you're too new, inexperienced or shy. Your professional development depends on other people knowing that you can contribute and make a difference. With that in mind, if you don't have something to contribute, then don't say anything at all. People can tell the difference between valid conversation and talking just to hear your own voice.
- Mind your wardrobe: Even if you work in the most casual of offices, pay special attention to your work attire. Rubber flip-flops, stained shirts, yoga pants and graphic t-shirts never belong in the workplace, no matter how many people you see wearing them. Even though they aren't supposed to, people are going to judge you by the way you look. Make sure you're presenting yourself professionally every single day.
- Keep a planner or calendar: If you tell me to do something and I don't write it down, there's a 96 percent chance that I forget about it in the next five minutes. I could not get through my work day without my color-coded planner. Whether it's a planner, online calendar or a task list written on a notepad, have some tool that keeps all of your tasks organized. If someone has to constantly remind you about a certain job, chances are you won't be asked to do it again.
- Remember that not everyone is like you: In an office environment, you're going to meet people from all walks of life, so don't be shocked (or offended) when their communication style is completely different from yours. Some people write blunt, short emails when they aren't upset or angry, and some people are more quick to sarcasm. Don't take things too personally and let people get under your skin. Learn how different people communicate and the best ways to work with them.
Manners Moral: Most of us will have jobs for the majority of our lives, so it's important to know how to act in the workplace and what we can do to make the best out of our time. A happier employee is a more polite employee. Also, always remember that how you present yourself makes a huge impact on how others view you. Strive to give a positive impression and show people how amazing you are.