Work ethics matter

Willingness to take on extra responsibilities can make a difference in job search

Ichecked into an airport for a flight to Dallas. The individual at the sidewalk check-in point started to ramble, or better defined, complain to me about his co-workers. “They have an ‘it’s not in my job description’ attitude and they seem to be looking for ways to do the least amount of work”. He went on to tell me he had hoped the New Year would change all that.

What does this have to do with you and your job search? Plenty! Beyond our military efforts, there are few areas where we Americans can claim superiority. Electronics, auto making, and appliances are but a few categories where at one time our forefathers were the ultimate leaders. Today in these areas we can only claim superior consumption. Yes it’s true we have to earn our money to be a consumer but too many American workers spend most of their time concerned about their rights and carry with them an entitlement attitude. If you don’t believe me, ask a manager at almost any size company. Or pay attention to the service you receive when you are out shopping. Generally speaking, service is slipping in America … not always, but the overall way employees of our banks, grocery stores, department stores, and shoe stores serve us are less than desirable. As a side note, don’t you notice when you get exceptional service you’ll go out of your way to shop there again and tell others?

A few simple themes to improve your own attitude:

• “The customer comes first.” (Always serve them ethically and within company policy.)

• “Profit isn’t a dirty word.” (You want your company to be profitable.)

• “Co-workers are your work family”. (Go out of your way to get along with them.)

• “The ability to have a job is a privilege, not a right” in our wonderful country. (A special thanks to those serving overseas who are protecting our privileges and freedom.)

To stand out from the crowd during your interview and on your resume, make it clear to your potential employers you’re not an “it’s not in my job description” kind of person. This will naturally lead you into discussions about areas of importance to them including teamwork and willing to go the extra step to please your customers. It also shows that you understand the importance of your work effort in adding value to your manager and the company. If you leave the interview with these thoughts in their mind, you have an excellent chance of hearing back from them.

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