CAREER ADVICE

Finding Success On the Job

 You are studying hard to get the best grades possible.  You know you have to do well so that someday you will have the career you want.  But, is there something more than grades required to be successful on the job?  You bet, according to local employers.  For a look at some of the attributes that employers want when they are hiring, read on. 

Dependability ranks very high on local employers “must have” attributes list.  Suzanne Abel, Human Resource Manager at American Profol, a company in Cedar Rapids that manufactures polypropylene plastic, said the most important work ethic that an employee can posses is dependability.  Ms. Abel sums it up this way:  “Employees should arrive for work on time.  If the start time is 8:00 a.m., arrive on time, not at 8:01 a.m.  Employers want a full, honest day’s work from their employees.”  Do minutes really make that much of a difference?  Yes, accumulated over many weeks and months by many employees, tardiness is a cost that employers simply can’t afford. 

Honesty is another basic attribute.  Dan Baldwin, the President and CEO of the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation in Cedar Rapids describes what honesty really means.  He has this advice for students entering the workplace:  “Above all else, be honest.  This sounds simplistic because we all think we’re honest.  But many situations arise where a fudged number, information not shared, or lack of full disclosure seems harmless, might help the cause, or will avoid problems.  Nothing could be farther from the truth.  Anything less than the truth will find a way to haunt you and your business.” 

When asked what one attribute she looks for when hiring employees, Juli Hardin, owner of recently-opened Jules Bakery located in Marion said, “Baking is an art.  I look for someone who has passion for his or her art.  Passion and enthusiasm for the work that takes place every day brings enjoyment to not only the employee, but creates a pleasant working condition for all employees in the business.”  This passion and enthusiasm is a healthy environment that generates productivity.  All employers need productivity from their employees or simply said, they won’t be in business very long. 

In talking with the Iowa Workforce Development office in Cedar Rapids, we were given a list of attributes and basic skills that employers commonly look for when interviewing potential employees.  These qualities, along with qualities identified by many companies in Cedar Rapids, include the following (in no particular order): 

Be drug free
Demonstrate honesty and integrity
Pay attention when spoken to
Follow verbal directions
Show pride in your work
Show respect for others
Show up for work when scheduled
Arrive for work on time
Ask questions to clarify understanding
Show enthusiasm for your work
Work productively with minimal supervision
Leave personal problems at home
Smile—have a sense of humor
Use proper grammar
Spell correctly
Know the basic math skills
Be flexible with scheduling
Be a self-starter
Be willing to learn and do things

Attitude plays a big part in being successful.  When Sarah Else, the Executive Director of the Cedar Rapids Downtown District, a non-profit association that represents Cedar Rapids downtown businesses, was asked what she looks for in employees she said, “A positive attitude.  All work tasks have value, accept them with a smile.  Nike had it right, if it is not illegal, immoral or unethical, ‘Just Do It.’ ” 

Ron Corbett, President and CEO of the Cedar Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce which is an association of approximately 1,800 business members, sums up work ethic this way when he says, “One of the best ways to get noticed by your boss is to have a strong work ethic.  That means showing up for work and doing your best.” 

Interestingly enough, all of the attributes that contribute to a strong work ethic and success on the job compare favorably with what makes students successful in school. 

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