Got Job Insurance?

There is a lot of information about how to look for a job, tips for interviewing, and putting together a great resume. Job seekers have to compete with a lot of talented, educated and experienced people searching for the same job. If you’re a free-wheeling, laid-back disorganized person, you may have a tough time convincing a prospective employer you have what it takes. Let’s be honest. A lot of job seekers take on the personality of the competent, organized, professional prospective employee just to get a job.

Once on the job, the pressure is off. Or, it may just be too much to keep up the pre-job personality. Sooner or later, people go back to their old, true habits. Sometimes, the person who interviewed is a far cry from the person on the job a few weeks later. 

Getting a job is only the first step. Sure you’re on the payroll, but you have to work and get along with a lot of different personalities. Shared space requires a measure of office etiquette, regardless of your natural personality. What you may consider laid-back and comfortable, others may see as rude and uncouth. In uncertain times, a little office etiquette could be the job insurance you need to stay employed. 

In fact, according to Vicki Oliver, author of “301 Smart Answers To Tough Business Etiquette Questions,” at work it’s more important to be popular and well liked. An article in USA Today confirms poor manners can hurt your career. Eating crunchy snacks within earshot of co-workers and even just opening and crunching the empty bags are enough to set people off. 

Your parents or friends may ignore your bad manners or inconsiderate actions, but your co-workers don’t have to. In fact, your crude behavior can end up the subject of disciplinary actions. Little things mean a lot, so paying attention to your co-workers and what may be driving them crazy goes a long way to keeping your work environment comfortable for everyone. A few simple considerations can make a big difference.

1.    Give your undivided attention. One small thing can make the difference, like making eye contact when someone is talking to you. It’s so important in an interview, because eye contact gives the impression you are interested in what the other person is saying. If it’s important in an interview, it’s even more important when you are trying to build good working relationships with co-workers. 

2.    Keep it down. Loud phone conversations or constant chattering with a co-worker is distracting and annoying. Texting or emailing co-workers with personal messages takes time away from the work at hand. Keep personal matters out of the office and let people work.

3.    Be on time. Some people are late for a meeting because they really enjoy making an entrance. These attention hounds disrespect everyone at the meeting by wasting time. The same goes for the person who comes in late and insists that the meeting leader fill him in on what’s happened so far. You wouldn’t dream of arriving late for an interview. But how many employees think nothing of strolling into a meeting late and then sit there checking emails or texting non-stop? 

Getting a job is tough. Once you land a job, your stress may go down, but your lack of workplace etiquette can drive your co-workers’ stress through the roof. Every company has a specific culture, and fitting in is as important to job success as a good education and job knowledge. Don’t be clueless when it comes to workplace etiquette. Read the employee handbook. Pay attention to the dress code. Observe your boss or other members of the management team. A little consideration goes a long way. 

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