When taking up a new job

Disclaimer: This was emailed to me sometime ago. Good read, but sadly I don't know the source of this article.

When taking up a new job.

It could be your first job or your first day in a new environment, how would you behave, how would you like to dress? You got to remember whatever you do, all eyes will be on you. Well here are few tips you can use to your benefit.

Get to work on time
While this might sound trivial, the fundamentals are that you should be at your desk and ready to work at the time your shift starts. While everyone understands that once in a while you could be caught in a traffic jam, just make sure you turning up late doesn’t turn into a habit.

Never under-dress
Ask around, check out what’s acceptable and not. While some offices demand a formal attire, casuals are acceptable in most offices nowadays. Your colleagues and co-workers shouldn’t feel that you have dressed too casually. Also keep yourself updated with the latest reforms in fashion for parties and weekends.

Try to keep your voice down
Most offices have cubicles as a work space; your sharing is always interesting for the other person, right? Wrong. The occasional laughing or cursing fits you throw can be extremely disruptive to your co-workers. Not only do they get enlightened with things they never wished, but also get disturbed in their normal routine.

Stay away from office gossips
There’s a fine line between polite conversations and down right nosiness. We guess you don’t want to get caught in the firing range of all the back stabbing and never ending office gossips. Staying away from all this will ensure you work with a proper frame of mind.

The office phone’s not a PCO
While most people blatantly use office phones calling everyone and anyone they know, it’s simply not right. Do limit your personal phone calls. There’s a difference in using the office phone in making an important appointment and calling your buddy and chatting for hours.

Leaving on time
It’s perfectly Ok to leave on time, simply don’t shut your computer down and sit by your desk waiting for the hour to strike. People notice these actions and it’s not appreciated. Make a point to leave after your scheduled time.

And if this is not your first ‘real’ job, and you are guilty of breeching any of the above tips, you definitely need a refresher course in office etiquette.
ARE YOU CONTRIBUTING TO OFFICE WOES?

Most people need a constant reminder that the workplace is not their personal apartment. So the next time you feel like making your presence known or felt, just watch the way you do it.

Here are few tips on how you can ensure no one feels you’re a pain at work.

Keep a tab on the volumes
While most workplaces allow their employees to listen to music as they work, make sure you’re humming or singing or choice of music doesn’t irritate the person next to you. A most common nuisance is the jarring volumes on your mobile phones. Set a pleasant ring tone on your mobile and at a level not too loud. Watch your volume even when you are thinking aloud or plainly rapping your fingers on your desk.

Watch those crumbs
After eating make it a point to clean up. Wipe up the crumbs and spills. Laying out paper napkins for your dining space will help in keeping the dining table clean. Don’t forget to put all wrappers and other wastes in the lunchroom garbage after you’ve finished. No one likes to eat in a dirty dinning area.

Hygiene habits
Make it a point to flush the toilet after use. Your crusade against water conservation should not result in others dying of stench. Simple things such as keeping the toilet floors clean, using the toilet bin go a long way in maintaining a clean and hygienic space.

Respect personal space
Don’t force your partner to draw enemy lines. Respect your colleagues’ space. Do not clutter. Put your personal stuff in drawers or cabinets. Also make it a habit of not peeping into your colleagues’ workspace. What they do is extremely confidential.

Whereabouts
Leave a word about your whereabouts by jotting down or pinning a note to your desk. Leave a word where you are with those who need to know. Remember your colleague isn’t your secretary to take your messages.
Of Handbags & Briefcases

Ever been to lunch or a meeting, and wondered where to keep your handbag or briefcase? Avoid fidgeting. Use these guidelines:

- At a meeting, place on the table only those writing materials, documents or folders that are essential. Samples, etc. can be produced at an appropriate time.

- At a social meal, nothing other than your food, your crockery and cutlery, and table decorations go n the table. If it’s a business meal, you may keep essential papers on the table, but remember this is not your office, and avoid a paper-spill over.

- Handbags and briefcases go on the floor, by the side of your chair. Cell-phones, which should either be shut off, or put in a silent/vibrator mode, should be in your bag or pocket, out of sight.

Getting Your Fax Right
Yes, there is faxing etiquette as well, which is a very important aspect of business communication.

- When sending a fax, always include a cover sheet specifying whom the message is meant for.

- Type your message whenever possible. If you have to write it out, use capital letters.

- Corrections made using correction fluid show up as dark blotches, so make a photocopy, and use this to send the message.

- Many people receive their faxes on a computer, so make sure the paper is inserted the right side up. If it isn’t, the message can’t be read unless it’s printed out!

- Remember fax paper is expensive; don’t send out unnecessary or needlessly long messages. Also, call and check if the timing is convenient before sending out very long fax messages.

- Don’t fax personal or confidential messages unless you intend it to be office gossip. If such information has to be sent, do call ahead and inform the recipient so that he can personally retrieve it.