16 Essential Tips for Job Success

16 Essential Tips for Job Success

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Achieve Job Success

Gone are the days of simply climbing the ladder: In this economy, it’s hard to even know which way is up. But if you’re on the hunt for a new job, these 16 tips will be even more essential.

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1. Interview Info

Do your research on the company beforehand, and come prepped with a few questions. Ask for the name of your interviewer, and research his or her background online. Then, when the interview is over, send a thank-you note immediately.

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2. Be Discreet

If you’re looking for a job while you’re already working, let recruiters know that discretion is key. You can use an offer to negotiate within your own company, but be prepared: Some employers do not take kindly to your interviewing with another company, and you could lose your current job.

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3. Straight Talk

When asked about your weaknesses, don’t pretend you have none or that your biggest weakness is “perfectionism.” It’s a good way to get an eye roll from your interviewer. Think about your weaknesses before the interview, and how you are able to overcome them, so you’re prepared for this common interview question.

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4. Online Networking

Use resources like Facebook and LinkedIn to connect with people in your field. Just be sure to keep the unprofessional aspects of your personal life out of your profile. And remember that social networking is like a cocktail party: If you talk only about yourself and your accomplishments, you’ll bore people. Start a dialogue.

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5. Stand out

An important question to keep in mind as you write your résumé is “What did I accomplish in this job that someone else wouldn’t have?” Thinking about the answer to that will give you some great talking points for your interview, as well.

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6. Networking in Person

Shy? Don’t be defeated by networking. Set goals for yourself at networking events, and your skills will improve with time. Fortunately for you, being a good listener is an asset in networking, so make your introverted personality your advantage.

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7. Keep Anxiety at Bay

The wait to find out if you got the job can be interminable, and it’s tempting to call and E-mail the hiring manager to check in. But a single thank-you note, and patience, are recommended instead.

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8. Beware of Blunders

The most common pitfalls in résumé-writing: not being specific about accomplishments, being too wordy, including a generic objective statement, and keeping college accomplishments on your résumé for too long. And watch the small stuff, like typos in your correspondence with the hiring manager. 

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9. Accept the Job with Class

If you get the job, it’s tempting to celebrate your new move, but now is not the time to burn your bridges. Leave your current job with grace, and you’ll be able to keep your old coworkers in your network. Give notice according to your company policy, and volunteer to help find and train your replacement. Finish your projects, and organize all of your loose ends so your coworkers can take over with ease. W

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10. Get Off To a Good Start

For your first week of work, be sure to ask questions and pay careful attention to the company culture. Get an outline of your boss’s expectations for your first month in the job. And remember these four tips to make you an invaluable asset to your company: Be überreliable, outer directed, common-sensical, and bottom-line oriented. Thinking about the big picture will help you move ahead.

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11. Climb the Ladder

Before you ask for a raise, ask for more work—even the work no one else wants to do. It shows your employer that you can handle greater responsibility. Then, overperform.

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12. Post Prudently

If you have a personal blog, tread carefully. First rule: Never write about work. You also shouldn’t use work time to blog. Consider password-protecting your blog so that only your selected audience can see it.

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13. Play Nice

When you get frustrated with your boss or coworkers, look inward. Changing your own behavior can stop a boss from micromanaging, and showing more appreciation can soften a difficult coworker. Share credit when a project goes well, but don’t avoid the blame when a project ends poorly.

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14. Actively communicate

No matter your career, make sure you're actively communicating with your colleagues, your team and your supervisor. Communicating well with your manager, in particular, ensures they don't have to constantly check in with you to assess your progress. Take the time to let them know when you've completed your duties before moving on to your next task.

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15. Grow your network

To find success in your career, it's important to surround yourself with people that inspire you to do better. Spend time making new connections in your field to find inspiration and to introduce you to new opportunities. Consider attending conferences, training or other network meetups to meet people in your industry. You can also grow your network through various social media platforms. 

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15. Grow your network

Not only can your network help you stay up-to-date with industry news and provide you with helpful advice, but it can also make you aware of new job opportunities that can help you improve your skills while growing your resume.

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16. Find solutions

Instead of going to your manager when a problem arises, work toward solving it on your own. Instead of creating problems, create solutions. If you don't have the authority to implement your solution, present your manager with different options and help them reach a solution as much as you can.

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