AVOIDING CAREER MISTAKES
· Whether in your first or a new job, you should follow work etiquette.
· Avoid habits, attitudes and behaviour which are professional disasters.
1. I don’t need to be punctual
· Reaching your office on time is essential.
· If your office follows flexible timings, fix the time for being available during those hours.
· Your assignment should be finished before the deadline, so that you can check and polish it.
2. I want everything, now
· Instant gratification does not work at the workplace.
· You will only get what your employers believe you are worth.
· Don't mix career and money by running after high-paying jobs only.
· Opt for a job profile based on your capabilities, which will help you hone your skills and grow.
· Remember that your worth should also increase along with your cost to your employer.
· Once you are established, the money will come.
3. This is all I am going to do
· If you stick rigidly to your job description, you may miss out on opportunities to be noticed.
· Take up tasks beyond the routine, especially those that can demonstrate your untapped talents.
· This also proves that you are willing to take initiative.
· If you grumble at being given extra work, it may put off your superiors.
· Accept projects on the basis of where you want to be after three years.
· If you want to replace your boss, you will have to work more than you would to justify your salary.
4. I am the only one who made it a success
· In an office, you need to work as a team, by sharing credit, especially with your juniors.
· Even if you don’t get along with someone, be polite, shunning your anger and tantrums.
· Bad-mouthing someone on e-mail or chats in the office could lead to an embarrassing fiasco.
· Don’t crib about your colleagues’ work or that they are favoured.
· Ensure that your own work does not fall short of the mark.
5. I don’t believe in networking
· Your network of peers can advise and help you to stay abreast of the latest issues in your field.
· Keep in touch with college mates, and mingle during conferences and functions.
· Join a professional networking website, but don’t mix personal and professional lives.
· Don’t add colleagues and bosses to your social networking sites to avoid misunderstanding.
6. I know everything there is to know
· No job is secure, so upgrade your skills regularly to stay on par with others vying for your job.
· Don’t expect past accomplishments to suffice, so learn constantly, especially from mistakes.
· If a superior corrects you, don’t sulk as you will keep repeating your mistake and never learn.
7. I am the best and deserve that promotion
· If you believe so, you should support your conviction with accomplishments.
· There is a difference between boasting and delivering.
· Prepare yourself to shoulder the additional responsibilities and also changes in your personal life.
· If you aren’t prepared, the promotion may backfire and destroy chances of future promotions.
· Don’t promise to get something done which you can’t achieve.
· Getting promoted too soon may set your career back by 4-5 years.