Starting and Leaving a Job Professionally is Crucial For Long Term Success

In today’s market, unlike in past years, there are many new and unique work opportunities for job seekers. Previously, individuals would have to “pay their dues” before moving up the success ladder. That is not the case today in the Greater Boston area as well as the rest of the country.

While the situation is new and exciting, there are still some traditional rules and protocols candidates should follow in order to continue on a successful career path.

When starting a new job:

• Map out the route to the new job location to ensure you won’t get lost or be late.
• Arrive 10 minutes early because there is nothing like punctuality to show you really want to hit the ground running on your first day.
• Bring a notebook and take lots of notes. Some organizations may allow you to use your phones or tablets. No matter what item you use, make sure to take great notes on instructions to the new tasks you will be charged with performing daily.
• If your trainer or supervisor is talking too fast or you don’t understand a particular method or process, speak up at the beginning. It is better to learn it correctly from the start rather than having to continuously ask questions later or complete a task only to find out you did wrong.
• Be friendly, respectful and cordial to all of the co-workers you encounter. Whether you are a CEO, Receptionist, Accountant, Administrative Assistant, or Web Developer be sure to treat everyone you meet with respect and professionalism. Also, remember that the organization operates successfully because of the whole team, and while some individuals have higher titles, each member of the entity plays an important role to its collective success.

When Existing a job:

• Whenever possible, try leaving a job on a positive note. When you apply for another position chances are good you will be asked to provide references. A major factor as to whether you are hired or passed up could depend on what your prior employer or employers say about you. It may be as simple as the answer to a single question: Is this person eligible for rehire?
• Try not to act quickly and think it through before leaving a position.
• Have an honest conversation with your supervisor or employer. If you want your career to move in a different direction, or you land another job closer to your field of interest let them know. If you are looking for a change and you have proven yourself to be a valued employee there may be another position within the organization that you are better suited for, and which you may enjoy more. Give the employer an opportunity to make an offer.
• Always provide enough notice so the employer is not blindsided. Ideally, provide either a two week notice and at the very least, a one week notice. Staff turnover is stressful for the entire team and the more advance notice you give about your departure the better the chances you will be leaving on a advantageous note.

Employees start new positions and leave old ones all the time. By following these simple rules, you’ll not only be off to a great start, but in the long run, you will also be building a great reputation for yourself as a consummate and conscientious professional.

Image retrieved from Pixabay under the public domain.

This posting is brought to you by Contemporaries Inc., one of the best temp agencies in Boston MA. Also available for payrolling employees in Boston and Greater Boston