If you are looking for your first job or have just accepted your first professional challenge, you are likely to have doubts about what a company can expect from you as a professional. Although each company has its own culture and values, the posture and behavior of each professional is always analyzed by the superiors. The level of professionalism of a worker often determines the opening or closing of new opportunities within a company. However, this does not mean that you have to lose your essence as an individual and conform to certain standards. Ideally, the goal is that your personality and values fit into the company for whom he is willing to “wear the jersey”. However, it must be borne in mind that there are certain details that enhance your professionalism, demonstrate your commitment and help to foster a good environment in the workplace. Since there are also certain postures and behaviors that have exactly the opposite effect. Therefore, to help you in this phase of adapting to the job market and to succeed in your first job, below we present four tips to increase your professionalism. Read also: Entry into the job market: Preparation guide
1. Get organized on your first job
Organization is one of the pillars of the proper functioning of any company. At a structural level, the organization allows all departments and areas of the company to function correctly, productively and with quality. And as a worker, the scenario is no different. The organization helps you to perform your work with quality, increase your income, and facilitate the management of your work and your schedule. When a worker is organized, he ends up showing greater professionalism. This does not mean that the organization itself is a professional “seal of quality”. But when there is disorganization at work, as a rule, it ends up affecting professional performance. Furthermore, disorganization can generate disagreements with your colleagues, especially if it affects your team’s performance or compromises meeting deadlines. If you’re not an organized person, don’t worry, there are methods that can help you improve. One of the first steps towards change is keeping your workplace organized. Then start with organize your email and calendar. focus on one task at a time and create regular rest times. Point out relevant topics and organize them by priorities to deal with. When implementing some working methods, you will notice the differences in their performance. In turn, this change will also not go unnoticed by your boss, who will notice the increase in your professionalism and performance. Also read: Tips for those entering the job market
2. Actively listen and pay attention to detail
Sometimes it is normal for you to be more distracted or focused on your own tasks. So far there is nothing wrong. But when they interact with you in a work context, it is essential that you have the ability to listen actively. That is, if a client or colleague (regardless of hierarchy) talks to you, shows concern or draws attention to a matter, you should stop and pay attention to what is being said. And at this point it is important that you stop what you are doing and fully focus your attention. Otherwise, you can seem disinterested or is not giving due importance to the matter. For example, if a colleague expresses concern about a task or a new procedure, listen carefully. After all, by listening carefully to his colleagues’ difficulties, he can help them find solutions. And if there’s one thing companies value, it’s employees. able to find solutions to everyday problems.Thus, you avoid touching your phone as much as possible while they talk to you about relevant and professional matters. If your first job is associated with customer service, active listening is key. Customers value professionals who are able to listen and personalize service depending on the problem each person faces. And this kind of posture can generate praise and improve the image of your company.Also keep in mind that your Non-verbal language also sends a message. Remember that eye contact and your posture will influence the image others have of you. 
3. Develop communication skills
Knowing how to communicate correctly is essential in our personal and professional life. This seems like a basic tip and one that any worker has mastered perfectly. But that’s not true. Many workers get carried away by their emotional side, and end up sin in the way they transmit information to colleagues, superiors or customers. Imagine that an unpleasant situation has occurred at your workplace, and you want to resolve this problem or report this situation to your supervisor. Before starting any kind of conversation you should calm down and organize your thoughts and speech. Basically, this is a process of emotional maturity, where you will have to manage your emotions, to be able to express yourself correctly and convey the message you want. clear and objective information. Remember that the speech must be suitable for the listener. After all, the kind of language we use with a group of friends may not be the most pertinent in the workplace or at least in all professional interactions. Also take into account the intensity with which you speak and the fluidity of the speech. Do not forget that in any dialogue it is essential being understanding, knowing how to listen and also putting yourself in the “shoes” of those who are listening. If any remarks are made about your speech, reflect on the feedback you received. There are constructive criticisms that will help your professionalism, and others that may not add anything. However, keep in mind that in personal and professional life we are always learning. And because of that, everyone can have something to teach.
4. Wrong at the first job. Take it without fear
In a first job, it is normal to make several mistakes due to lack of professional experience and lack of knowledge of the job market. However, making mistakes is a natural process throughout life. It is through mistakes that space for evolution is made. So don’t be afraid to admit that you made a mistake or that you didn’t understand something. By admitting your mistake, you are demonstrating that you take responsibility for something that went wrong. This type of behavior also reveals professionalism. When trying to excuse your mistake, directing blame to third parties, oftentimes, have the opposite effect. So, if you make mistakes, the most important thing is that you learn from them and try your best to avoid them in the future. In addition, according to Adecco, Transparency is something increasingly valued in today’s job market. That’s why both employees and managers must be as transparent as possible, in order to create/establish harmony in the workplace. Also read: What are the most sought-after professions and skills for 2022?
A professional writer by day, a tech-nerd by night, with a love for all things money.