In fast-paced USA, it’s easy to forget that some things need time to properly develop
and mature. One of those things is career; whether it’s skills, experience or simply
reputation, you don’t become a big shot overnight!
These are some of the tips HR professionals have for volatile and impatient young
professionals:
Don’t Hide Your Mistakes
To err is human. But to stubbornly or carelessly deny you’re responsible for a mistake
will only get colleagues and bosses angry at you.
Don’t Stay Late
Showing passion and dedication is an admirable trait. But staying late every day
and not having that much to show for it can also be seen as proof of bad time management
and unproductivity.
Don’t Wait Around
Closely following instructions is an important quality. But sitting around for hours
at a time because no one has told you what to do shows immaturity and lack of autonomy.
Don’t Email, Call
Emails are great to keep a written trace of important business exchanges. But when
it comes to getting things done, nothing beats the immediacy and efficiency of a
phone call.
Don’t Tune Out
Being up-to-date on your industry’s latest developments is important. But staying
informed on what’s happening in other sectors as well as in other countries shows
you’re knowledgeable and savvy professional.
Don’t Stagnate
Being educated and informed is a clear advantage in the job market. But it’s also
helpful to be able to count on a trusted and caring mentor who’ll guide you through
you professional journey.
Don’t Second-Guess Yourself
Eagerness to learn and grow makes you a great addition to any team. But constant
lack of confidence in yourself makes people see you as weak and pessimistic.
Don’t Be Isolated
Being independent is great. But never interacting with colleagues and bosses other
than in work settings can make you seem unfriendly and uninterested in growing your
professional networks.
Don’t Avoid Hard Work
Being efficient and resourceful is one thing. Being lazy and petty by giving up
when the going gets tough is just unprofessional.