7 answers
Jolee
Student
3
Questions
Asked
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As someone starting off in the career world, how do I come off as most professional at a young age?
older people seem to have a sense of seniority, but everyone starts somewhere. Where do beginners start, and what can we do to up our professionalism in the workforce?
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7 answers
david kirk
Retired Computing Manager
472
Answers
Syracuse, New York
Updated
david’s Answer
Hi, Jolee,
You're right on target. Looking professional is important, whether new to a job or not. Here are a few suggestions, although you have already received many excellent responses.
- Dress up for the job, whether that's a neat uniform, neat casual attire, or a suit. Looking good shows your respect for the job and yourself.
- Focus on doing the work. That means, among other things, being there to start on time. If you like to freshen up and have a cup of coffee to start the day, then arrive early to go to the restroom, comb your hair, pour your coffee and then be at your work station prior to start time. This also means staying mentally alert to the job, which includes NOT using the phone for frequent personal calls, not monitoring your cell phone. Others may not speak to you about this, but they do notice.
- Be involved. Don't just stay quiet. Speak up when instructions are not clear. And DO ask for help on assignments where you're unfamiliar. Do NOT attempt to show how brilliant you are. Your ideas will be welcome, but AFTER you have built a respectful reputation for listening and doing assignments for a few weeks.
- Do the dirty work. Every profession has tasks that no one likes doing. When you see it, just do it.
- Be respectful. Every employee has an important job. From the lowest in the pecking order to the highest, they each deserve respect.
- Be aware. In any job, there will be tasks or assignments that are new to you. When such opportunities appear, express your interest in learning the new skill or assignment.
Good luck to you. The above steps served me well and I wish the same to you.
You're right on target. Looking professional is important, whether new to a job or not. Here are a few suggestions, although you have already received many excellent responses.
- Dress up for the job, whether that's a neat uniform, neat casual attire, or a suit. Looking good shows your respect for the job and yourself.
- Focus on doing the work. That means, among other things, being there to start on time. If you like to freshen up and have a cup of coffee to start the day, then arrive early to go to the restroom, comb your hair, pour your coffee and then be at your work station prior to start time. This also means staying mentally alert to the job, which includes NOT using the phone for frequent personal calls, not monitoring your cell phone. Others may not speak to you about this, but they do notice.
- Be involved. Don't just stay quiet. Speak up when instructions are not clear. And DO ask for help on assignments where you're unfamiliar. Do NOT attempt to show how brilliant you are. Your ideas will be welcome, but AFTER you have built a respectful reputation for listening and doing assignments for a few weeks.
- Do the dirty work. Every profession has tasks that no one likes doing. When you see it, just do it.
- Be respectful. Every employee has an important job. From the lowest in the pecking order to the highest, they each deserve respect.
- Be aware. In any job, there will be tasks or assignments that are new to you. When such opportunities appear, express your interest in learning the new skill or assignment.
Good luck to you. The above steps served me well and I wish the same to you.
Kim Igleheart
Career Counselor | Police Officer
1662
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Jolee,
This is a very good question! Some rambling observations, from a 61-year-old. . .
I've been dealing with water on my living room floor. Three plumbers, all with several years of experience, told me I had no leak. Then I called a company that specialized in leak detection. They sent a 22-year old plumber to my house. I was pleasantly surprised. He was polite, but "all business. " He set about to do what he came to do, and when he started getting results, explained to me what was going on. He never once said a bad word about the other 3 plumbers, (my water cutoff valve was faulty, which had resulted in faulty readings) even though he could have (had they not taken their eye off the gauges, they would have detected the problem). When he was not able to isolate the exact location of the leak, he came back the next day with the Master Plumber. (not afraid to ask for help). I was very impressed.
It also helped that his uniform was clean, pressed, shirt was tucked in, and his pants were on his waist. He looked professional. Pride in appearance makes customers believe you also take pride in your work.
As one who was once a rookie cop. . . when it comes to earning the respect of your co-workers: you pitch in. someone has to be the one to wash the vehicles, etc. You don't whine. There are things that need to be reported to supervisors, and, well, things that don't. You respect the senior folks, figure out what you can learn from them, and understand that book smarts are not a substitute for experience. Go gently in trying to teach them the new stuff that you have learned - Education plus experience is great, and being a part of a team allows you and your co-workers to tackle anything that comes your way. And, from a law enforcement perspective, proving yourself has to do with how you handle yourself in the face of adversity and steps you take to backup your fellow officers.
This is a very good question! Some rambling observations, from a 61-year-old. . .
I've been dealing with water on my living room floor. Three plumbers, all with several years of experience, told me I had no leak. Then I called a company that specialized in leak detection. They sent a 22-year old plumber to my house. I was pleasantly surprised. He was polite, but "all business. " He set about to do what he came to do, and when he started getting results, explained to me what was going on. He never once said a bad word about the other 3 plumbers, (my water cutoff valve was faulty, which had resulted in faulty readings) even though he could have (had they not taken their eye off the gauges, they would have detected the problem). When he was not able to isolate the exact location of the leak, he came back the next day with the Master Plumber. (not afraid to ask for help). I was very impressed.
It also helped that his uniform was clean, pressed, shirt was tucked in, and his pants were on his waist. He looked professional. Pride in appearance makes customers believe you also take pride in your work.
As one who was once a rookie cop. . . when it comes to earning the respect of your co-workers: you pitch in. someone has to be the one to wash the vehicles, etc. You don't whine. There are things that need to be reported to supervisors, and, well, things that don't. You respect the senior folks, figure out what you can learn from them, and understand that book smarts are not a substitute for experience. Go gently in trying to teach them the new stuff that you have learned - Education plus experience is great, and being a part of a team allows you and your co-workers to tackle anything that comes your way. And, from a law enforcement perspective, proving yourself has to do with how you handle yourself in the face of adversity and steps you take to backup your fellow officers.
Delaina Fell
Human Capital Consulting
13
Answers
Golden, Colorado
Updated
Delaina’s Answer
Hi Jolee. (3) things come to mind that will separate you out from others. 1. Active listening - when someone is talking to you, show you are interested in what they have to say by repeating back what they told you in your own words confirming what they said, ask relevant questions to the subject matter, and being mindful not to interrupt. 2. Be proactive - when discussing with your boss or team the work to be done, offer to kickstart the assignment or project and asking if there is anything more that could be done to bring the assignment or project to full completion 3. Show respectful interest - share your appreciation for opportunities handed to you. If they are challenging, ask lots of questions to ensure you fully understand the ask.
Kevin Carrigan
Leader
1
Answer
Williamsburg, Virginia
Updated
Kevin’s Answer
Hi Jolee,
Build confidence and competence by being curious, asking questions, trying your best, and learning as much as you can.
Earn respect by cultivating a reputation as someone who is kind, respectful, generous, and gets the job done.
You're on the right track by asking these questions here!
Build confidence and competence by being curious, asking questions, trying your best, and learning as much as you can.
Earn respect by cultivating a reputation as someone who is kind, respectful, generous, and gets the job done.
You're on the right track by asking these questions here!
Albie McHenry
Project Manager
10
Answers
Freeland, MD
Updated
Albie’s Answer
Jolee,
Professionalism is not directly related to your age, it is more related to personality and morals. You may see older people that act more professional than younger people but that usually comes with experience and wanting to be more professional. To start, you need to be pleasant and respectful to others, and meet your timed commitments, including being at work when your employer expects you start your shift and work their required hours and days. Learn as much as you can as fast as you can because knowledge is a great asset to have even though you may start out with the basics but keep learning about anything and everything you can about your employer's business. Then use your knowledge to help your coworkers learn and grow as you do, and when talking to your customers and/or clients. All of this will ultimately help your employer's business be successful and grow which will reflect on your professionalism.
A great definition of professionalism in the workplace is: the way in which an employee carries themselves, the attitude they convey, and the way they communicate with their co-workers and clients. In other words, it is the conduct, attitude, and behavior of a worker.
Professionalism is not directly related to your age, it is more related to personality and morals. You may see older people that act more professional than younger people but that usually comes with experience and wanting to be more professional. To start, you need to be pleasant and respectful to others, and meet your timed commitments, including being at work when your employer expects you start your shift and work their required hours and days. Learn as much as you can as fast as you can because knowledge is a great asset to have even though you may start out with the basics but keep learning about anything and everything you can about your employer's business. Then use your knowledge to help your coworkers learn and grow as you do, and when talking to your customers and/or clients. All of this will ultimately help your employer's business be successful and grow which will reflect on your professionalism.
A great definition of professionalism in the workplace is: the way in which an employee carries themselves, the attitude they convey, and the way they communicate with their co-workers and clients. In other words, it is the conduct, attitude, and behavior of a worker.
Rebecca Tang
Banking
1499
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. This is a good question.
I believe everyone has a start on their career regardless it is professional career or not.
Below are my suggestions:
1. Before starting your career, you can explore any intern opportunities. It can let you to get use of actual working experience and gain working experience.
2. When start your career, be humble and learn from the seniors
3. Ask your line manager whether he/she can assign a mentor for you
4. Attend industry seminars regularly to keep your knowledge up to date and establish people network
Hope this helps! Good Luck’
I believe everyone has a start on their career regardless it is professional career or not.
Below are my suggestions:
1. Before starting your career, you can explore any intern opportunities. It can let you to get use of actual working experience and gain working experience.
2. When start your career, be humble and learn from the seniors
3. Ask your line manager whether he/she can assign a mentor for you
4. Attend industry seminars regularly to keep your knowledge up to date and establish people network
Hope this helps! Good Luck’
Susan Kelemen
Marketing
3
Answers
Tewksbury, New Jersey
Updated
Susan’s Answer
You are very wise to think about the impression you give when applying for jobs. You definitely want to come across as mature, professional and likable. Always research the position beforehand. Try to find out as much as you can about the company. Dress appropriately, look the interviewer in the eye and be yourself. Be on time for the interview, listen carefully and ask questions to get more clarity and be respectful. But try not to laugh a lot though. During my first interview - at the age of sixteen -I was told that I laughed too much and I must have been nervous! I was! And that stuck with me. There are tons of articles/services that can help you when you go for a job, so I'd also check out interview skills etc. Good luck!