Part-time jobs matter.
Sure, your first job as a pizza delivery boy will probably give you no experience for the CEO of a Fortune 500 company that you aspire to be, right? Wrong. Every job will teach you something, whether it's a skill like patience, or a fact about yourself you didn't know. One of my first jobs was a secretary for a flooring company. There, I learned about different types of carpet which, at the time, seemed pretty irrelevant to my life, little did I know that 3 years later I'd be picking out carpet swatches for the property management company I worked for. Next, I worked at Hibbett Sports for a short time, and what I learned here was the importance of good shoes. This was extremely significant, and ironic, because my job after that was at a hotel, where, of course, I'd need good shoes. At the hotel I learned some extremely important things. First was customer service and patience. People don't play about where they sleep. The hospitality industry is a lot like food and retail, it sucks but definitely has it's perks. I met some great guests and built lots of friendships. I learned how to be firm with someone while still being polite. I learned how to successfully negotiate prices. I learned how to handle invoices and A/R accounts. I also learned how identify bed bugs (which we never had, thank God). That job prepared me for the one I'm leaving Saturday, which coincidentally has prepared me for the one I'm starting Monday. Isn't it crazy how God makes everything work?
Experience is everything and can (sometimes) trump a degree.
This goes hand-in-hand with #1. Experience is so important. Many full-time employers will base your starting salary on your experience. This sets the mood for your whole employment. If you're experienced, they'll value you, meaning a good salary. A happy employer and a happy employee are so important for a successful career, no matter what the job is.
I haven't graduated college - yet. However, because I have a lot of experience in the job field that I'm in, I've been offered some great jobs. I'm not saying a degree isn't a good thing, because in a perfect world, you'd graduate with an automatic 5 years of experience and be able to find a job within your major the semester after graduation, but unfortunately, it just doesn't work that way today. Obviously, there are some things you have to have a degree for. It's a lot like the board game LIFE. You can risk not going to college and still get lucky and pick a great salary, but if you go to college which takes a little extra time, on paper you're qualified to do just about anything (in the game). The decision is yours.
Computer Literacy
If you're under the age of 30, not being comfortable with Microsoft Office is not acceptable. We learned how to use this program in middle school. Take the time to invest in learning standard computer programs. You should be able to successfully create a memo, power-point presentation, essay and basic spreadsheet with no problem. Any other program that would benefit you in your field would be helpful, also. Again, employers want experienced employees.
References
Go ahead and put references on your resume. They're only checked about 50-75% of the time, but they take up space and look nice. Obviously, make sure they're good references. And put people who know your skills the best and are relevant to the job your applying for.
Interviews
Practice your interviews. Look up questions online and prepare answers. Always make eye contact with the person interviewing you and smile. You want to seem friendly, yet business oriented. Wear black, unless something related to the job would be better (ie. applying for a position at a college, you could wear that school's colors). Be 10 mins early (no more, no less) and always bring a copy of your resume. Most importantly, DON'T LIE. Don't make it seem like you're capable of skills that you aren't. It's okay to say you aren't comfortable with something as long as you're willing to learn.
Sometimes, it really is all about who you know.
Unfortunately, networking is important. For someone like me, who has a severe case of social anxiety, meeting people and leaving lasting (good) impressions is dreadful. But out of my past 6 jobs, only 1 of those have been with a company where I knew no one, and my employment was completely based on my experience and capability. Even though I was completely qualified for each job, I am convinced that knowing someone who was already employed with company had a positive effect on the decision as to whether or not I was offered the position. I guess my point is to "network" with as many people as possible, because you never know when you're going to need that connection.
Co-Worker Relationships
Never have a romantic relationship with another co-worker. Most companies forbid this in their employee handbook, anyways. Chances are, you are not Pam and Jim from The Office and you will have sacrificed your reputation at work for a 2 month-long fling that everyone knew wasn't going to work out anyway.
Your co-workers can be your friends, but leave some of the friendship aspects at home. Of course you want to get along with your co-workers, just don't talk about anything super personal at the office. Save that for a lunch break or get together after work. You don't want your boss to over hear you talking about the great deal you found at Victoria's Secret do you? (NO) Work is for work.
Social Media and Your Job
Again, if anyone under 30 doesn't know this concept I'm going to be forced to start a Business Etiquette Workshop to teach you so-called "millenials" the basics. The rules of social media are simple: Don't post anything bad about your boss, co-workers or anything regarding your job. Personally, I believe it's best to leave anything about your job off of the internet. It's just safer for you and your company.
Leave on Good Terms
Always give at least 2-3 weeks notice. You can give 3, but anymore than that is too much. Any less than 2 is pretty inconsiderate. Your 2 weeks doesn't have to be a page long essay, it can be short and sweet, but not rude. Thank your employer for the opportunity and move on.
If you think you are about to be fired from a job, offer to resign immediately. When a company fires an employee they have to pay unemployment if that employee files, so a lot of companies will wait until the employee just quits. If you offer to quit, they won't have to pay your unemployment and you won't have to put that you were terminated on your resume. Depending on why they're firing you, I'd think twice before putting them on your resume.
Don't feel bad for Leaving (if you're leaving for a good reason)
Leaving for reasons such as better pay or relocation is a valid decision. Any reason that is allowing you to better yourself and career is alright. However, there are many bad reasons to leave a job. For example, you don't get along with one of your co-workers because she got promoted and you didn't. If you leave because of this everyone will remember you as the person who pouted when you didn't get your way. If you think you deserved the position more than she does, then show your boss why he made the wrong choice through doing amazing work and being even more dedicated to the company, not quitting.
What are some things that you've learned throughout your career? Do you agree or disagree with any of these points?
