Having all the right technical skills is often a step in the right direction, but it takes more than just job skills to be successful. In order to be considered for a position, a candidate must be able to demonstrate a level of professionalism that is both pleasant to work with and effective.
The way people behave in the workplace can influence how others view them and make them more valuable. In fact, being professional can make people appear more competent and valuable.
The Power of Professionalism
Being professional in the working world is about more than just having the right technical skills. It involves being able to handle yourself and communicate effectively with others.
Whether it’s preparing for an interview or starting a new job, being professional is very important. According to Katy Curameng, the director of career planning at the University of Massachusetts Global, failure to display these qualities can lead to a stalled career.
While it’s important to be professional, it’s also important to pay attention to the people around you and treat them with respect. This ensures that your presence will not be a burden on others.
According to the US Department of Labor, being professional is very important to employers. Being able to perform well in a professional manner can boost a person’s credibility and make them more reliable. Additionally, being professional isn’t just about being able to perform well at work, it also involves developing other professional qualities such as being polite and accommodating to different people.
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Follow Through
Being professional can be hard to define, especially since it’s a broad topic. A good place to start though is to follow through with your commitments and make sure that you’re doing the right things.
Being accountable for all of your commitments will show that you’re a responsible person who can meet all of them. Having a consistent schedule will also help you get things done on time and establish a reputation as a reliable employee.
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Don’t Be Apathetic
One of the most effective ways to show that you’re professional is by paying attention to the people around you. Doing so can involve taking notes, asking questions, and using body language that’s appropriate for the situation. Being active about improving the company is also a way to show that you’re committed to the organization. Instead of just addressing issues that are bothering you, try developing a solution.
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Learn the Culture
It’s important to learn about the culture of a company and prepare for the inevitable changes that will happen in the workplace. This might look like learning the appropriate workplace attire, how people talk to each other, and how meetings are run. This can also affect how you communicate with others. For instance, in some offices, it’s common to just send an email or arrange a video chat. In others, it’s more formal to request a meeting.
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Keep Your Personal Life Personal
Being professional is about being courteous to everyone, and avoiding situations that can disrupt the productivity of others. According to Curameng, it’s important to keep in mind that everyone has their own time and space. For instance, if you’re watching a movie last night, it could take up to 30 minutes to talk about it. Getting to know your coworkers is good, but ensure it doesn’t distract from productivity.
It’s also important to note that personal business is not limited to phone calls and emails. Instead, it can include anything that’s important to you. Companies have policies regarding social media, so it’s important to follow them if you’re an employee. According to Curameng, it’s also important to think before posting or commenting on anything on social media.
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Stay Out of Negative Politics
Office politics can be unavoidable, especially if it’s part of the corporate ladder. However, it’s also important to stay positive and avoid negative behavior. You can also avoid office politics by finding common ground with your colleagues. Doing so will help you prioritize the company over your personal goals. Workplace politics can have a positive effect if people work together, but it can also turn negative when people are competing against one another.
Being professional in the workplace can be very different for everyone, but it can still help you reach your goals. Doing so will build a solid reputation within your organization.