Purpose of Workshop • Improve soft skills • Know your skills • Increase job retention • Get ahead in the job!

Where Do I Begin? • First impressions mean a lot!

• Dress appropriately • Be punctual and prepared • Adjust your attitude accordingly • Ask questions

Appearance & Attire Practice good grooming Keep hair and makeup

professional and subtle Use cologne in moderation Be mindful of mannerisms Dress for the job you want

Punctuality Be on time! Know:

Where to report Whom to report to Where to sign in or clock in Where to park

Getting to Work on Time Have a reliable alarm clock and

reliable transportation Get up early and allow for the

unexpected Plan for special conditions Keep your supervisor’s contact

information in your cellphone, and notify he/she if you are delayed

Attitude is Everything … • Check your attitude at the door • Smile and be genuine • Be ready to learn • You many need to adjust your

lifestyle • What’s okay at home is NOT

always okay at work

Ask Questions Whether it’s your first day or

hundredth day, one of the most important things to do is ask questions!

Frame questions to demonstrate your eagerness to learn.

Take notes while you’re at it!

When Do We Stop Learning? The answer is never - learning is a

lifelong process Continued education will improve

your skills and increase job retention Take advantage of opportunities for

further training and workshops Employers value your demonstrated

desire to continue learning

The Employment Relationship: What Does My Employer Expect?

Dependability; Maturity; Reliability; Trustworthiness; Cooperation

The Employment Relationship: Seeing the Employer’s Side of Things…

Is important for job success; Makes you a valuable employee ; Allows room for advancement!

Most Common Ethical Problems in the Workplace

Favouring family/ friends Cheating an employer out of time or

using company items for personal use (this is considered stealing)

Abusing drugs/alcohol Breaching confidentiality Violating company policies

Guidelines for Making Ethical Decisions

Questions to ask yourself: ◦ Is it legal?

◦ How will it make you feel about yourself?

◦ How do others feel about it?

◦ Will the people in authority approve?

◦ How would you feel if someone did it to you?

◦ Will something bad happen if you don’t make a decision?

Getting Along with Supervisors Follow instructions Ask questions Report problems immediately and

to the correct authority Report results if unsure how to

proceed Discuss job performance Meet expectations of the job

Getting Along with Co-Workers

Get to know others Don’t try to change everything Be honest Don’t gossip Be positive and supportive Show appreciation

Share credit when deserved Return favours Ask for help/advise when needed Avoid battles Follow group standards Take interest in co-workers’ jobs

Dealing with Conflict Identify the reason for disagreement Try to talk it out directly with the person Listen! Give the person time to respond Discuss alternatives for resolution Walk away calmly if no resolution is met.

Arrange for another time or a mediator.

Check Your Attitude! “Attitude determines your altitude” People are more respective to others who are: ◦ Interested in the workplace and employees ◦ Confident ◦ Listens to others more than speaking ◦ Gets the job done

Identify your Skills: Self-Management Skills

These skills are related to the control you have over your life. Employers look for these skills and value employees who display them.

Examples: ◦ Arrive on time ◦ Follow instructions ◦ Get along with others ◦ Come to work every day ◦ Get things done ◦ Work hard and be self-motivated

Identify your Skills: Transferable Skills

Skills that help you achieve more responsibilities, advancement and higher pay

Meet deadlines Problem solver Public speaker Good listener Organized

Teacher/Counselor Accept responsibility Understand/controls budget Manages time effectively Provide good customer service

Identify your Skills: Job- Related Skills

Skills gained from: school, courses, or training; other jobs or volunteer work; and hobbies or extracurricular activities.

Identify your Skills: Technical Skills

Word processing; Spreadsheets; Database management; Graphic design; Knowledge of various software

Identify your Skills: Communication/Presentation Skills

Teamwork; Sales; Speaking effectively; Writing; Listening.

Identify your Skills: Customer Service Skills

Timely assistance

Friendly

Someone to listen

Nice appearance

Competence

Problem solving

Willing to go the “extra mile”

Courteous attitude

Possibilities of a Pay Increase

Completion of probation Incentive increases to keep “valuable” employees Reward for extra effort or taking on more responsibilities

How to Put Yourself in Line for a Promotion

Go above and beyond Get noticed for your efforts Keep track of job openings Upgrade your knowledge Network

Career Development Keep your resume current Explore job opportunities Identify your skills Set a goal Develop a plan Network, network, network

FOR MORE INFORMATION: VISIT THE CAREER CENTRE: Room 11180 - 100 Portsmouth Avenue, Kingston, ON

VISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.stlawrencecollege.ca/careerservices EMAIL: careerservices@sl.on.ca

PHONE: 613-544-5400 Ext. 1844 613-345-0660 Ext. 1844 613-933-3259 Ext. 1844