The summertime is a time of year when our young leadership students try out their first time as interns or employees. As we prepared some of our youngest teen employee students this season for their first job as lifeguards, catties, valets, or poolside servers, and even summer camp counselors, it occurred to me so many of their jobs had one thing in common - PEOPLE. And people love to hear the phrase “no problem.” Can I have another drink? No problem. Can you help me with my bags? No problem. I am sorry I need a different size…my car now… my crying child needs help. – “NO PROBLEM.” This is the key phrase and secret to win friends, influence new employers and success for any summer job. Here are the other top ten rules to succeed in your first job – whether it is as an intern this Fall or poolside this Summer.
1. Introduce yourself appropriately
When meeting someone on your first day for the first time, stand up to shake their hand while stating your full name. The only exception to the handshake is if you are sick. Many companies have their own set of acceptable etiquette rules, so it is important to observe how members of upper management carry themselves and make the effort to mirror their manners.
2. Make it a habit to be prompt
Being on time has been ingrained into your set of values since childhood. Repeated tardiness makes you look discourteous and sends a message to your colleagues, bosses, and clients that your time is more valuable than theirs. Always plan to give yourself extra time, so that if something unexpected happens—like a traffic jam—you will not be late.
3. Put away your mobile device
It is difficult to seem approachable if you are busying yourself by staring at your phone, and it could send a negative message about your ability to pay attention in meetings or focus on work. Do not look at your phone, text, post or talk on your phone while you are on the job – just do not.
4. Dress appropriately
A lot of offices are considered “business casual” or even simply “casual” in which employees and even bosses may wear jeans and flip-flops. It can be tempting to adopt the most casual look you can get away with but the best thing to do is to dress one notch up from the office norm. Striving to mirror your boss’s style or level of formality is a sure way to ensure you are dressing appropriately.
5. Ask people how they wish to communicate
This is important because your message is more likely to be received when you communicate in a style that is easiest for the recipient. Someone who wishes to stick to work email may be put off if they receive a text message from you about work. Others may be awful at checking email and prefer to speak directly via phone call. Everyone has a preferred method of communication.
6. Avoid interrupting
Let others finish speaking without interrupting. This is basic proper etiquette no matter the situation. Cutting someone off to interject your own opinion or input, sends a message that you think your opinion matters more than theirs, or that you are completely uninterested in hearing what they have to say.
7. Use people’s names
If you are not sure you heard or remember their name correctly, ask them. Use their name throughout the conversation if it can be done organically but do not overdo it. Constantly repeating their name over and over is obviously forced. Next time you see the person, greet them by name.
8. Be reliable
If you have committed to be somewhere or do something, always honor your word. You will build trust with colleagues and contacts. Follow through. This will build a reputation that you are dependable and trustworthy.
9. Save personal talk for outside of work
Personal conversations should be left at the door when you enter the office. Not only could you offend someone or make them feel left out, but you could also send the message that your personal life is more important than doing your job. Furthermore, some overheard personal conversations could land you in the HR office, so it is best to wait until after work to have them.
10. Practice personal air space etiquette
Working closely with others is inevitable. Keep phone conversations to an appropriate noise level, be cognizant of distractions and annoying noises that may prevent coworkers from focusing on work, disturb clients or guests and keep smells to the absolute minimum. You do not want to trigger allergies with your perfume or cologne or subject your colleagues to microwaved leftover burrito smells.