• Be punctual
  Be on time. Confirm your starting time, and check transport arrangements
• Dress
  You will be expected to dress appropriately for your new working environment. Be clean and tidy
• Breaks
  Find out when and where to take breaks and lunch, and don’t stay longer than allowed even if everyone else does
  
• Personal items
  Find out where to keep your lunch and personal possessions
  
• Lunch
  Bring lunch for the first few days in case you are not working near a shop
  
• Smoking
  If you smoke, ask about where you are allowed to smoke
  
• Listen carefully
  Write down everything and ask questions if you do not understand anything. An employer would rather you asked a question about a task instead of getting that task wrong
  
• Introduce yourself
  Don’t wait for others to be nice to you, introduce yourself to everyone
  
• Personal telephone calls
  Keep these to a bare minimum (preferably nil). Make sure your phone is switched off or on silent – just check your phone during breaks
  
• Longer hours of work
  If you are a school leaver, you may find the hours longer, breaks fewer and holidays further apart than when at school. Many jobs start early in the morning - don’t worry - you will get used to it
  
• Your suggestions
  At work don’t get upset if it takes a while for people to take on one of your suggestions. The longer you are there and the more you prove that you can be trusted and respected the more they will listen to you
  
• Sick leave
  If you don’t feel well and need to take a sick day, it’s much more appropriate to call your employer before your starting time. Don’t just send a text. Don’t put anything on Facebook or My Space, or any social media about having the day off. Try to make doctor’s appointments etc, out of business hours, attendance is very important in keeping a job.
  

Hints on employer expectations at work

• Dependability
  Your employer wants to know that he/she can count on you to be reliable and to do your job properly. You will be expected to follow rules and instructions, accept responsibility, and learn as much as possible about the job
  
• Teamwork
  Your new employer will expect you to work effectively as part of your new team, and to get along with co-workers
  
• Independent working
  As well as working as part of a team, your will also be expected to work independently. Your employer wants to know that you can do you job with minimal supervision
  
• Willingness to learn new skills
  Your employer does not expect you to know everything, however he/she will expect you to be open and willing in learning new skills
  
• Following safety regulations
  Employers will have an Occupational Health and Safety program which you will be expected to abide by – safety in the workplace is critical
  
• Manners
  You will be expected to show respect to your new employer and co-workers. Do not be afraid to show your personality, but always be polite
  
• Dress
  You will be expected to dress appropriately for your new working environment. Be clean and tidy.
  
  

Hints on keeping the job

Keeping your job and advancing your career often requires you to go above and beyond your employer’s expectations.

• Initiative
  Employers always want to retain staff who show initiative. Once you are sure all your key tasks are completed, be proactive and search for extra work or projects beyond your required role
  
• Innovation
  Be original and share your ideas with your employer. Even if your suggestions are not followed through, you have shown your employer that you are interested in working to strengthen the organisation
  
• Positive attitude
  Maintain a positive ‘can-do’ attitude. Your enthusiasm for projects will be noticed and appreciated by your employer
  
• Willingness to learn
  An employer wants to see that you are looking to learn and improve your skills. Employers want to retain employees with the drive and potential to develop skills and grow within their organisation
  
• Professionalism
  Always behave and dress in an appropriate and professional manner. Always be punctual and listen and learn from your employer
  
• Flexibility
  Work environments will always change, as will your duties. Be flexible to change and learn to adjust quickly. You will show your employer that you are a competent and dynamic employee.