We all desire to be the best intern that we can be, and maybe the best that the company has ever seen. Regardless of whether its for personal reasons or to impress others here are 3 things that you can do to give yourself a boost over other interns.

1. Don’t act like an intern.
   - From day 1, treat your internship like its a real, full-time job. You want to be as professional and responsible as everybody else at the company. By doing this, you will show the company that you mean business and just because you’re an intern doesn’t mean you should be treated as one.
2. Ask for feedback on your performance.
   - It shows alot about you when you ask for feedback. Asking for feedback means that you care about the way you are performing, and that you will be proactive when it comes to seeking perfection. Don’t be afraid to receive negative feedback because in fact, that’s what you need to hear. You have a real opportunity to improve when you receive constructive criticism. Show employers that you will continue to improve and they will be thrilled!
3. Be involved at meetings.
   - Many times you will be pulled into meetings that are related to your project and others will discuss different issues, news, and ideas. If you have input don’t be afraid to speak up, especially if it involves an issue that someone may have overlooked. By calling attention to that issue you could receive tons of respect and credit from the others. Most interns never speak at meetings and the fact that you did will separate you from the pack. But don’t just do it for the accolades, do it for the good of the company.

In theory, etiquette is a way for everyone to express mutual respect for one another. In practice, it’s a confusing set of arbitrary guidelines not everyone follows.

For instance, the next time you’re eating at a restaurant or even at home, notice how many people put their elbows on the table. For some diners, an all-arms-on-deck approach to eating is an unforgivable transgression. To others, you’d look stuffy if you didn’t lean in to engage in conversation because you were more concerned with your posture.

Once you leave the comfort of your home, whether or not other people will conform to your expectations on various types of etiquette is out of your control. You might think “sir” and “ma’am” are passé ways to address people, while others might think you’re rude if you don’t. And who knows if anyone still cares about where your elbows are when you eat?

Etiquette and manners still matter at work, but it’s not as cut and dried as not licking your knife while enjoying a steak dinner. The workplace etiquette you need to think about is more about consideration than it is about tradition. Sometimes we don’t notice little things that irk other people.

Here are some times throughout the day when you might want to stop and think about whether or not you’re being a good co-worker:

Waiting for the elevator…

Don’t push the Up button when elevator doors are about to close just so you can make everyone wait while you squeeze in.

Do hold the elevator doors open if someone’s only a few seconds behind you.

In the elevator …

Don’t stand uncomfortably close to someone, especially if there is plenty of space. Forcing yourself onto a packed elevator, thereby smooshing yourself up against someone, is just as bad.

Do cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. (Not just in elevators, but anywhere, really.) You might think this one is obvious, but no … it’s not.

In the lunch area …

Don’t forget about the apple you left in the fridge two months ago. Sure, lunchroom nitpicking is the epitome of workplace banality, but the break room is one of the few places everyone shares.

In the mail room …

Don’t forget that the mail staff is part of the company, too. If you walk in, get your mail and leave as if it magically appeared and those people working in the room had nothing to do with it, you’re being rude.

Do say “thank you” to workers throughout your building. From the maintenance staff to the security guards and cafeteria workers, several people are making your daily grind easier. Whether it’s a quick “thanks” or small talk in the elevator, talk to the people outside of your work bubble.

On the phone …

Don’t call someone, call back an hour later, call a third time in the afternoon to leave a voice mail, then send an e-mail, then call again to see if he got the e-mail. Not everyone is available when you need them to be, so give them some time to respond to you. Give people a day or a week (depending on the urgency of the issue) before following up.

In the hallway …

Don’t ambush someone with a question. If you’ve been waiting for your boss to answer a question you had and you run into her as she’s rushing off to a meeting, don’t corner her to get an answer. For one thing, you don’t know if she has a pressing engagement. Also, her answer might be more complicated than a simple yes or no, and she doesn’t want to give you a Cliff’s Notes version while heading to the elevator.

In a meeting …

Do keep the snarky comments to a minimum. Sure, meetings can be boring and some people are way too excited about them, but snickering with your co-workers is rude to whomever’s talking and to the people trying to pay attention. Plus, your negativity won’t go unnoticed by the boss.

In the restroom …

Do wash your hands. If you leave the restroom without washing your hands and someone sees, you will be the germy person of the office. Frankly, it grosses people out and makes them not want to ever get near your desk or you.

At your desk …

Don’t complain about the weather, your workload, the boss, your pay and everything else that you encounter. Sure, blowing off steam is what people do, but a constant flow of negativity gets bothersome for those around you. Pretty soon everyone around you will be listening to their headphones to avoid listening to you. (Keep this in mind when you’re in the elevator, too. No one wants to ride down 10 floors with a crabby colleague.)

Podcast Episode 6- Making positive first impressions at a new job

Click here to listen to the Podcast!!!

When evaluating our feelings about people, we all take shortcuts.  First impressions are usually made within the first 10 seconds of meeting someone and can often turn into long term perceptions and reputations.  During your first few months on a new job you will be making many first impressions with everyone yuo meet.  I have put together a good list that will help to ensure that you are making the right first impressions!

Have a positive attitude

Nothing makes people like and trust you more than a positive attitude.  Let your enthusiasm for your new job and being part of a new team shine through in all interactions.

Dress professionally

You should dress professionally in the beginning of your new job even during dress down or casual days.  You never know when you will get that first chance to meet the CEO or high level executives.  You sould always speak louder than your clothes and accessories.

Learn coworkers names quickly

Remember the names of those to whom you are introduced.  In your first few days you wll be introduced to dozens of new co-workers.  When you get back to your desk, jot down the names and if you forget a name, dont be afriad to ask someone for their name again.  Always remember the names of your managers!

Ask questions

Its better to ask questions before you dedicate time to doing something incorrectly.  Dont try to change the world before you know the way to the restroom.  Your first task on a new job is to gain an understanding of the way things are done in your new company.  Take the time to understand your company’s benefits plan.  Dont wait until you needt o use one of the benefits before you understand them. 

Go to all orientations that are provided

Take time to research everything you can and become an expert no your company and your position.  You will only be able to do this by taking advantage of all orientation opportunities that a company provides.

Take initiative

Your first days on the job will be filled with sall tasks so when you need more work or are ready to take on larger responsibilities, ask.  Smaller ideas are easy to fulfill and will help build your coworkers trust of your ideas and work ethic.  Tka eon one of those projects that everyone has been trying to get done for months but just havent had the time, like reorganizing the database.

Work full days

Be the first person to say hello to everyone in the office and say it with a smile.  Be a morning person and awlays be on time or early.  During your first few months your attendance record will help to build your reputation for reliability, trust and confidence.

Avoid office politics

You will be guilty if you attach yourself to the office gossip or slacker.  Make sure, during your first few weeks, to be cordial to everyone you meet.  Take some time to realize who the hard workers are, those with good reputations and relationships in the organization and they are those that you should ask for advice, mentorship, etc.  Keep your ear to the grapevine but dont contribute to it.  It might help to give you ideas on what is praised and what is punished within an organization, but take it for what it is worth: gossip!

Take 20% and listen 80%.  Avoid those who talk 100%.  It is your job to find out the nuances of your compnay, the unwritten rules and norms of the office and you have to listen to others to do this.

Track accomplishments

It is up to you to track your accomplishments and let your boss know about waht you are doing on a regular basis.  Dont expect accolades if you are not promoting yourself, your work, and letting people know what you are doing.

Remember, your first job can create a lot of anxieties but it is important that you understand what your employer is expecting of you.  Ask enough questions to have a solid understanding of your responsibilities.

PodCast Episode 5 – Email Etiquette for the Job Search and Beyond

Click above to listen!

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How To Befriend The Boss On Facebook

There may come a time in your working life when you recieve a friend request from your boss on your social networking account. The above video lightheartedly shows you how to handle what could be a sticky situation IF the information on your account is questionnable (however if you read the earlier post by Jena Bandini, or read the WWW.YOU.COM On-the-Go brochure in the CSPD office or on the CSPD website, then you know that you really should not have anything on your site that could be embarassing for you professionally).

At this point it isn’t about first impressions, because you already have that great job or internship you were looking for. You should maintain the idea that your employer was just as right to choose you for the position as you were to have choosen to work for them. Remember it is a two way street that leads to employment bliss. OK maybe not bliss, but you should feel the position you have taken is a good fit for you and one that you would not want to loose because of a non-work related faux paus (like questionnable pictures or comments on your Facebook account) or work related one for that matter. Somewhere down the line you will be ready for the next step, either a full time offer after a successful internship or a promotion after your first post-grad job, and you should make sure that your image is protected and is reflective of the hard-working person that you are. You should also be thinking about what you can do on the job that will set you apart from your co-workers, but that is another blog for another time…