Getting promoted and job security
Learn how to move up the job ladder. How to hold the ladder stable. And how to grab the ladder and move on.
Now that you have the job that you want, what do you do with it? Regardless of how you got your position, how do you now succeed and get ahead?
- Be responsible
Show up on time, complete the work you are assigned, and always go that extra mile so that your boss sees how valuable you are.
- Set goals and know where you want to be
Write down the goals you want to accomplish for the week, month, even year. It will help you get to where you want to be in your career.
- Get noticed at work
Do things that your employer isn’t expecting – offer to take on extra responsibilities, do your tasks in a different and better way, and go that extra mile with your customers.
- Improve your skills
Take a few classes, go to seminars, or read books related to your job/position. Constantly stay educated in your field and you will stay on top.
- Learn from those around you
Sometimes there is no better way to learn than from those who surround you at work – star co-workers, bosses, managers, etc. Find a mentor and learn from him/her. Don't be afraid to ask questions.
- Know how to deal with problems
Managers always notice those people who know how to handle pressure and deal with problems that arise in the workplace. Staying calm is important, but acting quickly is also key.
Dress for success
How you dress at work obviously depends on your company’s specific dress code; you might be supplied a uniform or wear your own business casual threads.. Nowadays, every work environment has a different dress code and what you wore to your previous job might not necessarily carry over to your new one. When you accept a new job, your employer will inform you of the appropriate way to dress when you come to work. Take mental notes when on the job of what your managers or co-workers are wearing. And if the dress code is confusing, don’t be afraid to ask the hiring manager or the human resource department for more details.
Moving on...
Quitting
Regardless of why you have decided to leave your current position, you need to approach this situation very carefully. You do not want to burn your bridges with an employer – you never know who they know or when you might need their help in the future with other positions, references, etc.
Here are a few tips to follow:
- Give at least two weeks notice
Although some situations do not allow you this much time before you leave your job, always try to give sufficient notice to your employer.
- Finish your current tasks
Complete any responsibilities that you have on your plate before you leave. This will not only help the person who will take over your position, but it will also help your co-workers complete their jobs effectively.
- Speak to your boss about the situation
Be prepared to discuss why you are leaving with your boss. In some cases it might be uncomfortable, but being respectful will only make your departure easier.
Getting fired
Being fired from a job is not the end of the world, although sometimes it can feel that way. It happens to the best of us. Regardless of how comfortable you are in your job, you should always be prepared for a situation like this. Keep your resume/profile updated so that if you lose your job, you are prepared to begin a new job search quickly. Also, try to stay informed of job openings in your area.
How should you react once you hear the news? Here is some advice:
- Keep your composure - don’t get angry
No matter how much it hurts to hear the news, don’t lose your temper and say things that you will later regret. Handling your termination with grace is the best thing that you can do for yourself.
- Find out the details of your termination
Get the details of exactly why you were let go. Not only will it give you peace of mind, but you might learn what to work on to better yourself as a future employee of another company.
- Maintain a relationship with your employer if possible
Certain circumstances will not allow you to maintain any type of relationship with your former employer, but if possible, try your hardest to leave on good terms. If you do, your former boss will be more likely to give you a good recommendation to other employers. You also never know if your former boss will be hiring for another position in the future, and they might think of you.
When applying for positions after you have been fired, you probably don’t need to mention that you were fired from your last job. If you asked for a reason for leaving, do not lie! Simply use terms like “Employment ended”, and you can further explain in the interview. Once you are in an interview, you can be fairly sure that the employer will ask you why you left your last job. Give a simple explanation – don’t overdo it by giving the gory details, bad mouthing a previous employer or showing anger. Instead, tell the interviewer how you have benefited from the experience or what you learned.
Above all, keep a positive attitude. It can feel very defeating when you are let go from a job. Remember that you are gaining another aspect of work experiences, and figure out how you can learn from it. There are millions of other jobs out there for you – you just have to find them!
About SnagAJob.com
SnagAJob.com is America's largest hourly job website, featuring more than 100,000 active job postings in industries including: restaurant, retail, office, homecare, light industrial and more. With their quick ZIP code search, you can easily find and apply to part-time, full-time and seasonal jobs right around the corner – without ever leaving home. They'll even email you new job alerts. SnagAJob.com also has job tips to help you land your dream gig and thrive on the job. It's all free – and they're open 24/7. SnagAJob.com is dedicated to making life easier for students and hourly workers. Search for jobs now, and be sure to check out our job blog for regularly updated news, features and insights.