Building a Stellar Career: A Guide to Professional Excellence

Congratulations! You've just been hired. You may now breathe a sigh of relief, knowing that the grueling application and interview process is behind you. Now, you need to demonstrate to the company that they made the right choice in hiring you. It is your responsibility to prove that you are the perfect fit for the job you've been accepted for.

As a newly hired employee, anticipate being measured and evaluated over the next few months—covering aspects from your attendance to your productivity and behavior. Once you have proven yourself worthy, you will become a regularized employee, securing your tenure as long as you maintain satisfactory performance. Ready for the challenge? If so, here are some tips on how to retain your job once hired.

Maintain positive work habits - Ensure that your work habits are not just for show. If they are, your superiors can discern this almost immediately and may scrutinize your actions more closely. If tardiness was a consistent issue in your previous job, make a conscious effort to change that habit in your new position. Strive for impeccable attendance, and if there is a valid reason for being late, absent, or leaving early, promptly communicate this to your supervisor. Keep your work area clean and follow any rules the company has imposed for your safety.

Limit personal activities - Do not spend too much time on private tasks during work hours, whether it involves receiving or making personal phone calls, answering emails, or running errands. Work time should be dedicated solely to your professional responsibilities. Avoid encouraging friends or family members to visit you, even if you work remotely. If there is a genuine need to make or receive a personal call, keep it brief.

Don't be afraid to learn - If you encounter a task you're not familiar with, admit it and seek assistance on how to complete it. However, while it's crucial to ask for help when needed, you should strive to cultivate a mindset of continuous learning, ensuring that seeking assistance doesn't become a habitual practice.

Adhere to the dress code - Your work attire not only reflects how you wish to be treated but also influences your colleagues' perception of you. This holds true even on days when a more relaxed or casual dress code is acceptable. If you aim to garner respect, ensure your attire is neat and appropriate. Avoid looking as if you just rolled out of bed or are headed to a bar.

Be an active participant in company activities - While you don't have to volunteer for every club and committee, choose the ones that interest you the most. Stay informed by reading company memos and email announcements about upcoming activities, and sign up for those where you believe you can excel or make a significant contribution. If you possess artistic talent, consider volunteering to decorate for the next party. If you're passionate about the environment, take the lead in organizing the company’s tree-planting activity.

Try to evaluate yourself fairly - The best person to determine if you have done your job well is yourself. You are familiar with your job description and the expectations placed on you. Have you lived up to those standards? Are there areas where you need to learn or improve? You can assess your performance using factors such as quality, quantity, timeliness, and cost.

Don’t stop learning - Nowadays, many companies prioritize the continuous improvement of their employees. Keep an eye out for announcements about seminars, workshops, and training sessions that can enhance your skills, particularly those that need refinement. For instance, if report-making isn't your strong suit, and there's a workshop on MS Excel training, go ahead and sign up. Remember, even your superiors are constantly finding ways to improve and learn new things, so why not do the same?

Don't be afraid of feedback - Embrace both positive and negative input with an open mind and a wholehearted commitment to self-improvement. Recognizing the value of constructive criticism and actively working to improve yourself will not only contribute to your present effectiveness but also to your future professional growth.

These are just some of the best practices you can follow to demonstrate your value to the employer when starting a new job or during periods of workforce evaluation. 

By following the aforementioned tips, not only can you secure your current position, but you may also position yourself for a well-deserved promotion.

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