How To Keep From Getting Fired

In the recession, you can find thousands of articles on how to get a job, how to improve your resume, how to expand your network, and now to interview well. These are all very important for getting a job, however with the recovering job market, and with some skill and perseverance, you have hopefully landed a new job. Now, you have to focus on keeping that job.

There are still many people out of work and looking, and companies don't have to worry about finding a qualified candidate if you don't work out, so here are some behaviors you should keep in mind in order to keep from getting a pink slip.

*Do not be limited by your job description- Make sure to always approach a new task with eagerness. You will not build a reputation as a hard worker and team player if you are always reminding people that a task you have been given was not part of your job description. Take on new projects with the same enthusiasm you approached your original job duties. Your willingness to branch out and take on new responsibilities could even result in a promotion.

*Try to leave your drama at home. When you are going through challenges in your personal life, it is best not to broadcast them to the entire workplace. It is fine to to discuss these things with close friends you have made at work, or even with someone in HR if your workplace has programs in place to help, however constantly talking about your dramatic personal life with your superiors may cause you to lose credibility and professionalism.

*Learn your responsibilities. When you start a new job, don't wait around for people to ask you to do something, or tell you that a certain assignment was due yesterday. Sit down with your boss right away and learn about all of your job requirements, as well as a schedule for when things need to be done. It's also important to learn about company policies and performance reviews right away so there will be no unpleasant surprises.

*Don't waste time on the computer. Especially if you use a computer with internet access, it is increasingly important for you to stick to work related business. Many companies monitor employee computer usage, and if you are surfing the net or chatting with friends, it's likely that you could be terminated for time theft. Do not use the internet for personal reasons while you are on the clock. If you are unsure about what you are allowed to do on your breaks, consult a member of the IT staff. Never use the internet to do anything illegal or pornographic.

*Be a person of integrity - One of the most valuable characteristics that you can possess is to be identified as a trustworthy person. Show integrity that all you do, through your use of company equipment, funds, and time. Never pad an expense account. It's stealing.

*Give a full day of work each day. It is shocking how much productivity is lost in the workforce while people chat over the water cooler or take extended lunch breaks. You are not being paid to show up for eight hours, you are being paid to work for eight hours.

Not only will staying on task and putting in a full day's honest work keep you from procrastinating and rushing to meet deadlines, but the quality of work you produce will increase and you may be identified as being a more efficient employ than your counterparts.