One of the biggest problems for new hires relates to time commitments. Being late is never acceptable. It tells people that you value your time more than theirs. Being on time for work, meetings, appointments, and with projects shows respect and professional maturity.

If you're a chronically late person, consider setting your watch back 30 minutes, or getting one with an alarm to let you know about appointments.

Another key Career Limiting Move is forgetting or disregarding common courtesies.

To connect with customers, work efficiently with colleagues and ultimately succeed, it is essential we pay attention to some common courtesies. They make a difference in creating relationships and making positive impressions.

According to an article in the January 2001 issue of Training & Development magazine, MJN Consulting conducted a survey of 500 office professionals and asked them to rank the top 10 common office discourtesies according to their aggravation level. They are:

1. Playing the radio or CDs too loudly or constantly;

2. Taking the last cup of coffee and not making more;

3. Borrowing co-workers' office supplies and not returning them;

4. Clogging the e-mail system with long messages, jokes and downloads;

5. Cruising the office visiting people instead of working;

6. Setting the copy machine for special copy features and not changing it back;

7. Making a mess of the microwave and not cleaning it up;

8. Showing up late to meetings or answering cell phones in meetings;

9. Using the last piece of paper in the printer or copier and not refilling it; and

10. Not returning phone calls, voicemail, e-mail or pages in a timely manner.

To avoid becoming one of these statistics, keep in mind the following three areas and points to remember in each.

1. Manner basics

•  Say “please” and “thank you”, “hello” and “goodbye” - it sounds so easy, but we can't tell you how many people take this one for granted. Do it!

•  Smile and look interested in others ... and listen.

•  Open doors (regardless of gender).

•  Look at people when you talk to them.

•  Be helpful.

•  Respect people's time.

•  Compliment people.

•  Write thank-you notes.

•  Do what you say you will do.

2. Language tips

•  Be aware of slang.

•  Avoid foul language.

•  Explain acronyms and jargon

•  Avoid sarcasm.

•  Power robbers (“I hope,” “I guess,” “maybe,” “probably”) undercut credibility.

•  Be careful where you hold conversations (elevators, hallways, public transportation, restaurants, airlines, etc.)

 

The above is an excerpt from The Last Job Search Guide You'll Ever Need: How to Find and Get the Job or Internship of Your Dreams, which is available for sale for $19.85 in our bookstore or $27.00 at Amazon.com but for free to those who subscriber to our free career newsletter. This hot new book contains job search secrets of the most experienced, most knowledgeable and most respected career experts. Learn career planning, job hunting tools and tactics, interviewing, cover letter and resume writing (lots of samples!), networking, and how to find an internship. Written by 149 career experts. To receive a free copy, subscribe to our free career newsletter.

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