I think most everyone can agree that the professional world can be a lot different than other parts of our lives. For some, it is more difficult to "fit in" than others. I've met numerous people who didn't know how to dress, act, or talk when it comes to being a professional. So, here are some habits that I think are very important for success in the professional world.
1. Organizational Skills
Being organized is so important when it comes to being a professional. This is something I have had to work on myself. If someone isn't organized, they may miss meetings or forget deadlines. Making sure all of your paperwork is in order, using your time wisely, and ensuring that necessary information is written down in a place where you can easily find it can make a big difference. Being organized shows that a person cares about their work and takes it seriously.
2. Communication Skills
Having effective communication skills not only towards your co-workers but also when dealing with your boss is crucial. Communication is an internal as well as an external affair. The success of the business has a lot to do with the effectiveness of communication. To be a good communicator, you need to be a good speaker and a good listener as well. When communicating with those in a business setting, the factors that play a big role in communication skills are- voice, body language, and the appearance of the communicator. The content and also the way the content is transferred is very important. Effective communication can boost the morale of others and create motivation in the workplace.
3. Punctuality
Being on time is something I care a lot about. It is unprofessional to show up late to work or to a meeting, it can leave a bad impression which may be difficult to get past. Being on time benefits not only you but the company as well. It's understandable that there are sometimes outside factors which can make people late to work. It happens. However, those situations should not occur frequently and when they do occur, the best thing to do is to call your employer and let them know you will be late. At least then you are giving them some notice and they aren't left wondering where you are.
4. Reliability
Most employers value employees who are reliable. Those who do what they say they are going to do and perform to the best of their abilities. If an employee is unreliable, it gives off a bad vibe which could reflect in an employers perception of an employee. If you say you're going to have important paperwork done by 5 o'clock Monday evening, then you should make sure it gets done by that time. This shows professionalism.
5. Privacy Settings
Most people these days use some sort of social media. I will use Facebook as an example. Countless times I have seen people post inappropriate photos on facebook which could appear badly to an employer. It's a fact that everyone has a life outside of work. However, it's best to keep that part of your life separate from your professional life. This is why I advocate for everyone to double check their facebook privacy settings to ensure that people they aren't "friends" with cannot see everything they post. I also do not recommend adding your boss or manager on facebook. Some people don't think this is a big deal but in my opinion, I just think it's best not to mix my personal life with my professional life.
6. Sending "thank you" emails
This is something that relates more to the interviewing process and something a lot of people don't think about. Sometimes it can make a possible employee look good if they send a "thank you" email after an interview. It sets you apart from other interviewees and leaves a lasting impression on your possible employer. It doesn't have to be elaborate, it could just be something simple such as "thank you for taking the time to meet with me today. It was a pleasure meeting you and I'm looking forward to hearing back from you about the job." It's so simple yet it can leave a good impression on the person who interviewed you.
7. Dress for the job you want
When going to an interview or getting ready for work, it's important to dress for the setting you will be in. It's typically better to be overdressed as opposed to underdressed. Being professional is not only the way a person behaves, but it's how they dress also. Some businesses have "casual days" which of course is fine, but for most days, in a business setting an employee should be dressing up a little.
8. Seek mentorship
Sometimes it can be helpful to talk to someone who has been in the business for a long time. You can learn from them which can help you a great deal when it comes to working in your particular career. Being able to talk to someone who has been where you are and can give you advice can be incredibly beneficial.
9. Network
This kind of goes back to point 8 but, put yourself out there. Meet new people who may be able to give you a "leg up" so to speak, in the business. Get your name known. An example of this is the well known website, linkedin. It's a professional business networking site. This allows people to network with each other and form connections in the business world. It can help people find jobs or connect with potential business partners, among other things.
10. Don't be afraid to ask questions or ask for feedback
This is something that a lot of people tend to forget. It's okay to ask questions. That shows that you care and want to do a good job. I've never had an employer who got angry at me for asking questions. Everyone is different of course but generally speaking, employers like that since it shows that you want to learn. It's also okay to ask for feedback. It's great, actually since it means that you are self-reflecting and want to improve your work performance.
So, these are just a few things I thought of that some people may overlook when it comes to being a professional or working in a professional setting. Is there anything you would add? Share your opinions :)
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