6 Things The Best Employees Do Differently

Image Credits: The Glitter Guide

I’ve read article upon article about how to nail a job interview, or tips for getting a new job, but I don’t think I’ve read one with tips on how to be a good employee once you actually get in the door. It’s just as important to rock your job after you’ve scored it. Here are some quick and easy things the best employees do differently. 

1) Be Early

Nothing is worse than showing up late, or even right on time, especially if you are taking over a shift from the person scheduled before you. Always be 10-15 minutes early for your shifts. Doing this gives you time to get ready and organized for your upcoming day at work. If you think you are going to be late, even just by a few minutes, call and let someone know. Getting to work early shows you care about your position and will be ready to tackle that day’s agenda right on time.

2) Be Appropriate

Make sure to follow the dress code. Whether you’re working an office job or a retail job, always be dressed appropriately for work. You are a representative of your business. No customer will want to walk in and see a sloppy employee. Always dress the part. Be consistent about how you look, especially if you work in a retail or service industry with regular customers. Go into the interview dressed how you would for a regular work day. If you interview dressed to the nines, don’t show up for your first shift looking like you just rolled out of bed.

3) Be Considerate

If you know you will need time off for vacation or even for finals, make sure to request that time off as far in advance as you can. This will not only give you the peace of mind knowing you’ll have that time off, but it will also make scheduling easier on your employer. You’re also more likely to get the time off you need if you let them know sooner rather than later.

4) Be Positive

We all have our days, but coming into work with a positive attitude is so important. No one wants to work with someone who is negative all the time. Your attitude will rub off on customers that are around you as well. No matter what’s going on in life, try to think of having a positive attitude as being part of your job. When things get tough, you have to make a conscious decision that you are going to be positive that day. With this decision, you can almost reverse-psychology yourself into being in a good mood at work.

5) Be Encouraging

Cue the High School Musical “We’re All In This Together” music. It’s important to be kind and encouraging to your co-workers. On the long and hard days, it’s important to let your co-workers know that you appreciate what they do for you and all their hard work. Be their biggest cheerleader, not their biggest critic. If you notice one of your coworkers going above and beyond, make sure to acknowledge it. You never know how far a kind word can go for someone.

6) Be Present

This one has two meanings, but it really is key. First off, leave the drama at the door. Whatever you have going on outside of work should not be on the forefront of your mind while you’re working. If it’s going to make you upset or bring you down, try not to focus on it.

Second, stay off your phone. Twitter is still going to be there when you clock out. While you’re at working you’re getting paid to focus on that work, not like Instagram posts. Be present and stay focused on your work. There is a time and place for everything, and if you have some downtime during your break or at lunch, share funny videos on Facebook to your heart’s content. Don’t let that steal your attention when you’re supposed to be working.

While every work environment is different, these 6 tips can basically translate to any industry, but all boil down to one thing, be professional.