Don’t rush out at 5PM, either. Stay a few minutes afterwards to check emails or finish up tasks.
Professional dress can include long-sleeved button-up shirts, slacks or skirts, blazers, cardigans, and loafers. Find clothes that fit you well so you look neat - stay away from clothes that are too tight or baggy. Pay attention to how your coworkers dress. Each company has its own definition of professional dress. For example, if everyone is wearing khakis and button-down shirts, don’t show up in a suit everyday. Blend into the company’s dress culture. You’re better off overdressing than underdressing. [4] X Expert Source Devin JonesCareer Coach Expert Interview. 5 April 2019.
Respond to emails in a professional manner, even if the sender writes to you casually. Make your voicemail message professional, as well. If you promise to respond to calls in a certain window, be sure to follow through on that promise. Additionally, be sure to check your voicemail regularly.
Maintain good eye contact and stand or sit straight up. Having good posture portrays confidence. Do not use slang. Limit how often you say “like," “um," “uh,” and related sounds. Don’t participate in office gossip. Keep discussions about your personal life to a minimum while at work.
Have questions on hand, as well.
For instance, perhaps you are in a relationship with a coworker. If this is against company policy, you need to inform your supervisor and end the relationship or else find another job.
Create friendships at work, but keep your discussions light while in the office. Check in with your coworkers regularly, go out to lunch together, and discuss things like vacations, TV shows, your kids, or your hometown.
Do not over-commit to too many tasks or volunteer to do tasks that you are not qualified to do. Admit when you don’t know something or if you don’t feel like you can handle it.
You might say “I’m so sorry for missing that meeting with the pharmaceutical company. I accidentally double booked myself that day. I have rescheduled the meeting for tomorrow. I’ll make sure this doesn’t happen again. ”
For instance, if your boss asks how a project that you’re struggling with is going, let your needs be known. Don’t deepen the problem by saying things are fine when you could really use a bit of help.
For instance, if you work at a university, subscribe to online journals like The Chronicle of Higher Education or Inside Higher Ed for daily emails.
For instance, if you are a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), you might consider furthering your knowledge of nursing and becoming a Registered Nurse (RN). An increase in knowledge often comes with an increase in pay, as well.
