2. Purpose of Workshop
•
Improve soft skills
•
Know your skills
•
Increase job retention
•
Get ahead in the job!

3. Where Do I Begin?
•
First impressions mean a lot!
•
Dress appropriately
•
Be punctual and prepared
•
Adjust your attitude accordingly
•
Ask questions

4. Appearance & Attire

Practice good grooming

Keep hair and makeup professional and subtle

Use cologne in moderation

Be mindful of mannerisms

Dress for the job you want

5. Punctuality

Be on time!

Know:

Where to report

Whom to report to

Where to sign in or clock in

Where to park

6. Getting to Work on Time

Have a reliable alarm clock and reliable transportation

Get up early and allow for the unexpected

Plan for special conditions

Keep your supervisor’s contact information in your cellphone, and notify he/she if you are delayed

7. Attitude is Everything …
•
Check your attitude at the door
•
Smile and be genuine
•
Be ready to learn
•
You many need to adjust your lifestyle
•
What’s okay at home is NOT always okay at work

8. Ask Questions

Whether it’s your first day or hundredth day, one of the most important things to do is ask questions!

Frame questions to demonstrate your eagerness to learn.

Take notes while you’re at it!

9. When Do We Stop Learning?

The answer is never - learning is a lifelong process

Continued education will improve your skills and increase job retention

Take advantage of opportunities for further training and workshops

Employers value your demonstrated desire to continue learning

10. The Employment Relationship: What Does My Employer Expect?
Dependability; Maturity; Reliability;
Trustworthiness; Cooperation

11. The Employment Relationship: Seeing the Employer’s Side of Things…
Is important for job success; Makes you a valuable employee ;
Allows room for advancement!

12. Most Common Ethical Problems in the Workplace

Favouring family/ friends

Cheating an employer out of time or using company items for personal use (this is considered stealing)

Abusing drugs/alcohol

Breaching confidentiality

Violating company policies

13. Guidelines for Making Ethical Decisions

Questions to ask yourself:
◦
Is it legal?
◦
How will it make you feel about yourself?
◦
How do others feel about it?
◦
Will the people in authority approve?
◦
How would you feel if someone did it to you?
◦
Will something bad happen if you don’t make a decision?

14. Getting Along with Supervisors

Follow instructions

Ask questions

Report problems immediately and to the correct authority

Report results if unsure how to proceed

Discuss job performance

Meet expectations of the job

15. Getting Along with Co-Workers

Get to know others

Don’t try to change everything

Be honest

Don’t gossip

Be positive and supportive

Show appreciation

Share credit when deserved

Return favours

Ask for help/advise when needed

Avoid battles

Follow group standards

Take interest in co-workers’ jobs

16. Dealing with Conflict

Identify the reason for disagreement

Try to talk it out directly with the person

Listen! Give the person time to respond

Discuss alternatives for resolution

Walk away calmly if no resolution is met. Arrange for another time or a mediator.

17. Check Your Attitude!

“Attitude determines your altitude”

People are more respective to others who are:
◦
Interested in the workplace and employees
◦
Confident
◦
Listens to others more than speaking
◦
Gets the job done

18. Identify your Skills: Self-Management Skills

These skills are related to the control you have over your life. Employers look for these skills and value employees who display them.

Examples:
◦
Arrive on time
◦
Follow instructions
◦
Get along with others
◦
Come to work every day
◦
Get things done
◦
Work hard and be self-motivated

19. Identify your Skills: Transferable Skills
Skills that help you achieve more responsibilities, advancement and higher pay
Meet deadlines
Problem solver
Public speaker
Good listener
Organized
Teacher/Counselor
Accept responsibility
Understand/controls budget
Manages time effectively
Provide good customer service

20. Identify your Skills: Job- Related Skills
Skills gained from: school, courses, or training; other jobs or volunteer work; and hobbies or extracurricular activities.

21. Identify your Skills: Technical Skills
Word processing; Spreadsheets; Database management; Graphic design; Knowledge of various software

22. Identify your Skills: Communication/Presentation Skills
Teamwork; Sales; Speaking effectively; Writing; Listening.

23. Identify your Skills: Customer Service Skills

Timely assistance

Friendly

Someone to listen

Nice appearance
Competence
Problem solving
Willing to go the “extra mile”
Courteous attitude

24. Possibilities of a Pay Increase

Completion of probation

Incentive increases to keep “valuable” employees

Reward for extra effort or taking on more responsibilities

25. How to Put Yourself in Line for a Promotion

Go above and beyond

Get noticed for your efforts

Keep track of job openings

Upgrade your knowledge

Network

26. Career Development

Keep your resume current

Explore job opportunities

Identify your skills

Set a goal

Develop a plan

Network, network, network

27. FOR MORE INFORMATION:
VISIT THE CAREER CENTRE: Room 11180 - 100 Portsmouth Avenue, Kingston, ON
VISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.stlawrencecollege.ca/careerservices
EMAIL: careerservices@sl.on.ca
PHONE: 613-544-5400 Ext. 1844
613-345-0660 Ext. 1844
613-933-3259 Ext. 1844