November 2006:
Number 511
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A newsletter for the students, faculty and staff of the Collin County Community College District. Published monthly. For information or submissions, call 972.599.3142. Cougar News welcomes student and faculty submissions. Next deadline: Nov. 10 All submissions are due by 5 p.m. on the due date. Photos cannot be returned. Text should be emailed to mrobinson@ccccd.edu or sent on disk. Please submit copy that is proofed, edited and saved in Word format. Cougar News staff: Lisa Vasquez, director; Mark Robinson, editor; Marcy Cadena-Smith, contributor; Sydney Portilla-Diggs, student correspondent; Stephanie Hall, student correspondent; Ana Palmer, special contributor; Ginny Topfer, special contributor; Nick Young, photography and layout
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Workplace challenges or How to keep a job once you are hired
By Ginny Topfer
Special Contributor
We are all faced with our own challenges in life and at work, and often these challenges can influence our performance on the job. In upcoming articles we will focus on the various challenges at work such as how the power of confidence can influence your career, how to get a good start on a new job, and how to avoid stealing time in the workplace.
One of the primary workplace challenges that effects both the employee and the employer concerns employee retention. We often hear employers lament, “I’m so tired of hiring and training just to find out that the person who I thought was such a good fit doesn’t have what it takes to stay on the job!” Many say the employee had such a great resume but once on the job, the person was not able to live up to the glowing description.
So what are some tips for employees to retaining a job? First of all, a strong work ethic is necessary. This “on the job attitude and behavior” is vital to succeeding in the workplace. Some employees exclaim, “But the salary is so small and the job is only an entry level position.” Your work ethic, no matter the type of work or level, says who you are professionally, morally, and personally. This speaks volumes about your personal integrity. No matter the job, doing it well and demonstrating a solid work ethic is critical to the employer.
Can you change your work ethic?
Tips for a Winning Work Ethic
1. Be on time. Be ready and willing to work from the beginning until the end of the work day.
2. Limit personal work to be done on personal time. Be knowledgeable of company policies regarding this topic.
3. Document accurately your sick/overtime/vacation time. Also document your successes.
4. Review your job description periodically to remain on track.
5. After the probationary period, continue to exhibit even more enthusiasm and motivation.
6. Use initiative to find out information necessary to completing your tasks. Don’t expect your employer to take care of you.
7. Make sure you can do the job. And continue to learn in order to enhance your work skills.
8. Emphasize the positive. Never falsify anything.
9. Avoid sharing too much too soon with co-workers and business associates. While your fellow employees may become like a family, set appropriate boundaries.
10. Be committed. Do as much as you possibly can to complete your tasks correctly the first time.
Career Bytes
In the 2005-06 academic year, CSCWE provided services to more than 400 students and community members in need of resume assistance for employment purposes, for scholarship application, and for university admission.
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