How to Succeed | Financial Aid | West Virginia University

Be a Good Employee

Be dependable! Show up on time and do your best.
Be a team player. Get along with your coworkers.
Aim for good communication. Listen and follow instructions and also share ideas.
Be well-groomed.
Read the manual, if one is given to you and follow it (ex. dress code).
Know all rules and policies that are asked to follow.

Ask questions!
Watch, listen, and learn. Model what you do after someone with more experience and knows how to do the job correctly.

Get to know your co-workers. Be nice, say hello, and show interest in the things they say. Earn their respect.
Avoid pitfalls, such as gossiping, using foul language, or socializing too much.

Stay busy and be self-motivated. If you see something that needs to be done, don’t wait to be assigned the task. Offer to do it.
Volunteer and take on new responsibilities. This will build your skills and show you can handle bigger tasks.
Look for ways to do the job faster and better, but remember, faster doesn’t always mean better.
Lead. After following more experienced co-workers, you should eventually be able to find chances to take charge, make good choices, and be a good role model with your skills.

Be a good listener. Focus on what’s being said and don’t interrupt. Put listening and thinking before speaking.
Watch what you say and how you say it. Speak clearly and keep your tone friendly.
Watch your body language. Make great eye contact, smile, and have good posture.
Keep messages clear and to the point.
Work on good writing skills.
Work on building phone skills.

Stop and think. Don’t speak or write a response until you’ve calmed down from the situation.
Get under control. Take slow, deep breaths and count to 10 in your head. Step away for a moment, if possible.

Try to not bring them to work with you. If that’s not possible, consider talking to your supervisor.

Pick your battles. Stay calm and decide if it is worth an argument and potentially your job.

Identify the problem. Get down to the root of the situation.
Gather information. Educate yourself on the situation.
Brainstorm. Make a list of every solution you can come up with.
Evaluate ideas. Narrow down the list by picking out the ones that are most practical and are the most promising. Pros and cons lists are also helpful.
Try the best idea. Get the approval from your supervisor first.
Review the situation. After time has passed, see how well the idea has played out. If it has not, look at why it did not work and try out the next option.