7 Ways to Guarantee (and Keep) Your First Job

You may have taken computer courses, been coached by an instructor or job coach at an employment service or even friends have given you the basics when it comes to interviewing. While remembering not to chew gum (or anything for that matter) and keeping "Umm" out of your end of the conversations is a start, it is not like the art of selling yourself. Many job seekers mistake selling with rehearsed lines of interview etiquette that go back decades like, 'I really get along well with others'. While this is not a bad thing to do, you don't want to waste the employer's time sounding like a robot. Even if you don't get the job, your originality in interviewing could leave such a great impression that you may considered for another position within the company if you don't get what you originally had your eye on.

1) Get a thesaurus to find positive (and truthful) words that describe your basic personality and work habits. Making a lovely presentation that does not live up to its promises is shady and sometimes basis for a lawsuit. So be realistic and don't be afraid to re-word clichés such as', "I tend to overwork myself when assigned a duty."

2) Multi-task. Sometimes this takes a year or two to really master but you probably do it in your everyday life. In the morning, do you prepare breakfast while the coffee is brewing? Make phone calls while opening your mail? Those are everyday examples of how two or more things can be done at the same time. It's just a matter of learning how to gauge your time and not acting in haste. Also, keep communications open with co-workers about use of equipment like the fax machine or copier as the both of you will appreciate the fact that time may not be lost waiting for someone else to finish a duty.

3) Be "green". If the company you work for does not participate in any kind of recycling program, you can still start your own by re-using paper products. It may be safe to assume that every office employee uses an average of one ream of paper per week. That's 1000 sheets and even though most companies buy in volume at a discounted rate, it's pretty safe to say that exercising your own system for cutting back on paper use will win you points with the boss.

4) Always be willing to learn new procedures. Don't participate when it's popular or when it can guarantee a promotion but use it as a way to remain an asset (which guarantees job stability should your company ever downsize). For example, learning a new software program on company time means not only will you be paid your salary but tuition is usually compliments of the company. Even something as simple as the new postage meter means you can pitch in when the regular mail staff is gone.

5) Accuracy and attentiveness mean more than speed. When I worked at a bank, us tellers had to brace ourselves for the "Friday rush" (banks were not open on weekends back then). While I prided myself on servicing many people with a smile, my cash was normally out of balance at the end of my shift. Basically, I was not paying attention to my job as a whole. After a while, my smiles disappeared due to the fact that my co-workers knew, like clockwork, that I would need extra time to balance my cash. It took time away from their being able to focus on their work and eventually brought a bit of frustration. I started taking notes along the way and anytime I felt distraction coming, I would ask to switch to another duty that may be beneficial if I could not take a short break.

6) Be open to working with different types of people. The famous interview line, 'I get along with everyone' is starting to have new meaning as our world becomes more diverse; it is our responsibility to learn about those who may be different from us. Sometimes the media paints ugly pictures of minorities and women and depending on how you grew up, you may believe this as the gospel truth. Please don't interrogate your gay co-workers about the Pink Mafia or assume that everyone who happens to be from India knows computers (unless they work in the IT department). This is what promotes stereotypes as many of those are negative. Take part in light (as in the subject is not to heavy or controversial) conversations and as you gradually begin to have a friendly exchange over time, then cautiously discuss or ask about things that may affect the community they may be a part of.

7) Remember that you are not at the club. While company dress codes overall have definitely become more lenient over the years, the reason was so that employees could be more comfortable and possibly get more accomplished as well as be in better spirits. Yet, professionalism is to be considered top priority. While your favorite jeans may have fashionably placed holes in the legs, the frayed material could be considered dangerous around certain types of equipment. Women who wear half-tee or halter tops could possibly open the door to a sexual harassment suit. I'm not Jane Law on this, just stating the facts on how people have brought these suits based mostly on speculation or other non-direct behavior, (i.e. 'It was really hot in the copy room and I felt like their eyes on me for the whole five minutes.') While some have those claims won in their favor and may have even seen an extra payday, filing a lawsuit is a very arduous process and sometimes the money gained barely balances out in the end. Play your wardrobe game safe and don't be afraid to experiment. Say you have a lot of trendy clothes in your closet; don't be afraid to integrate them with simple, dark-colored slacks (or skirts no higher than 3 inches above the knee for women). Simplicity also works best for cosmetics. Unless you are going to work in the entertainment biz (and still do your research on what kind of office it is), ladies steer clear of the Amy Winehouse 'cat eye' look and men, go natural and keep facial hair neat. Though the metro sexual look may go back to the 1980s (and possibly beyond), the idea of men wearing visible cosmetics is not a universally accepted one. If you have facial scars that you feel may be a distraction in a professional environment, look into coverage products like Dermablend or if you have darker skin, Fashion Fair Cosmetics has a similar line that does not have a "made-up" look.

As there is a lot to learn, the facts are that there will be painful days as well as funny ones. Hopefully, you will learn something that can be applied to both personal and professional matters. Unfortunately, you won't learn it all at once but once you get it, pass the knowledge on to the next generation or someone who may not have a clue.