Congratulations!
Now that you have the job...keep it! 

The hard work is not over.  Once you have accepted the job, your real work begins.  It wasn't easy getting the job.  Now, you need to figure out how to stay in the job.  Doing the work is only part of it.  There are other things that will also influence your success with the company.  Below are some important things to help you keep your job, and grow within it

• Attendance
  Arrive on time, every day.  Return from lunch promptly, every day.  Show up for your meetings on time, every time.  This type of punctuality demonstrates respect for others and their time.  Many companies document attendance.  In some states, poor attendance and chronic lateness are grounds for termination.  This type of behavior indicates to the employer that you do not value your position or the job that you do for the company.

• Dependability
  Follow through.  If you've been given an assignment, do it.  Carry a notebook and take notes when you're given instructions.  Make sure you ask questions when you're confused.  It takes less time to do the project right the first time than to do it twice.  If it looks like you can't meet a specific deadline, tell your supervisor as soon as possible.  Other people may be depending on your work.

• Knowledge
  Find ways to expand your knowledge of the company.  Ask to attend training sessions.  On your own time, read company manuals.  Network with company professionals within and outside your department.  The more you know about how the company works, the more you can contribute to its success.  Many companies will offer tuition reimbursement programs.  Seek out courses at your local community college that will help you in your job.

• Demonstrate Commitment
  Those who take on new projects, get more responsibility and, ultimately, more reward.  Sometimes, you need to ask your supervisor for more work.  He/she may not realize that you're capable of doing more.  Don't wait for your supervisor to give you work.  Be proactive and ask for it.  Make sure that you are completing your existing projects successfully.  Your supervisor will not be inclined to give you more work if you're not getting your current job done accurately.

• Problem-solvers
  Instead of telling your supervisor about a problem, tell him/her about a solution.  Whenever you uncover a problem or face a difficult solution, figure out the solution on your own.  If it's a big problem, you may want to discuss the solution first before acting on it.  But, regardless, your supervisor will appreciate the though you put into turning a wrong into a right.  Your ability to help solve these problems and avoid them in the future will help your company grow, and will help your career.

• Responsibility and Ownership
  When you're given a project, make it your own.  You were hired for your unique experience.  Draw on that experience to complete your work.  If you're hired to handle customer service complaints, use your personal manners to help your customers feel more at ease.  When you make a mistake, and you know you will, accept it.  Don't blame others.  Also, try to fix the problem.  Ultimately, it will be your solution that is remember, not the mistake you made.

• Mentors
  Look for people to give you guidance.  In everything that we do, there are always times we seek advice from others.  Generally, people want to help.  Look for people who have been successful in their jobs and ask them for advice when making hard decisions about your career.

• Customer Service
  In any job, you have several customers.  Those that buy the company's product or service are the most obvious.  Other people within your organization are customers too--people that depend on your work.  Do your best to make sure that your coworkers can easily get their jobs done.  Most jobs in today's economy are in customer service.  Whether you work as a waitress in a restaurant or in sales for a telecommunication firm, you are working with customers.  Learning how to work with others is key to success in these types of positions.  As an employee, you are a representative of your company.  As that company's "ambassador," your behavior is watched carefully by your customers.  If you treat them badly, then they will assume that the company is at fault.  As a result, you will lose their business.

• Attitude
  Perhaps the most important factor is a positive attitude towards your employer and your responsibilities.  Enthusiasm is contagious.  Whenever people are enthusiastic about their job, they inevitably do it better--or, at least, that's the perception.  A simple smile will go a long way in making an unhappy customer happy again.  Get to know your co-workers.  Your attitude towards your peers is also very important.  In every job, there are responsibilities and/or coworkers that you won't like.  Your ability to accept those negatives and still thrive and deliver quality work to your employer is valued and appreciated.

• Career Development
  For your development and to further your career with any company remain jumble in the face of your success being mindful of changes within any business climate.  It is critical to convey the importance of striving to reach the next level of personal performance without ever assuming you have arrived.  Our strengths remain closely ties to a desire to grow beyond our current success while embracing a commitment of continued learning and self improvement.

Remember the following items to help move you to success!

1. Show up every day on time

2. Be dependable

3. Ask questions when you need help

4. Ask for more work when you've successfully completed your tasks

5. Look for ways to add value

6. Look for opportunities to learn

7. Be a problem solver

8. Admit responsibility when you make a mistake

9. Look for mentors to help you grow

10. Provide excellent customer service to bother your customers and your co-workers

11. Have a good attitude and get along with your co-workers.

(from The Job Seeker Survival Guide, 2005 Edition by The Employment Guide)

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