There are some things that I was told before starting a job that not everyone has the privilege of hearing. With that in mind I wanted to compile a list of pro-tips that can be essential to a successful career in ANY job. Some may be job-specific but I’ll try to give you the essentials in a way that can be applicable in all roles.
In-person or Remote
- Avoid yawning in clear view of your peers and manager
- Be attentive at all times when interacting with coworkers.
- Make sure to RSVP to meetings; peers need to know whether you can make it to a meeting or not
- Keep your email inbox clean and dedicate part of your day to read email updates
- In meetings, make sure to ask at least one question or if not applicable try to engage in some way
- Proper work attire (ask your company for the dress code or look it up in the employee handbook)
- Seek out career development workshops, mentors/coaches to continue bettering yourself and your skill set
- Understand your benefits and take advantage of them
- Insurances: Medical, Dental, Vision,
- 401(k) if applicable
- etc.
- Network with coworkers, ask them about their life, aspirations, history. Also with people beyond your team
- If someone helps you with something, make it a purpose to send them a small note of appreciation for it. “Hey, thanks for spending the time the other day to help me with X, Y, and/or Z.” It’s a small token of appreciation that can leave a good impression on people
Remote
- Make sure you show as “online” on the instant messaging application your company uses
- If you’re not in-person, this “online” status is the best way to be visible. Along with this, make sure to respond in a timely fashion. It doesn’t have to be <1 minute response time but max <15 minutes for immediate peers that work with you each day
In-person
- Spend some time of the day without headphones to show that you are approachable
- Try to walk around the office without headphones or your phone visible. (approachability bonus)
- Try to not drag your feet so you show you are enthusiastic about being at work
Undocumented Specific
- HR usually doesn’t share your work authorization information unless needed
- In an example, DACA work authorization was only disclosed to someone’s manager when their DACA unfortunately expired before the new card was received
- See if your employer sponsors people (H-1B) and see if it applies to you. It could be a pathway to citizenship depending on your case (seek legal counsel)
- Let other undoc-folks know about work opportunities. For example, if a company is hiring and you know it is DACA-friendly (or not), or they offer stipend jobs, cash jobs, etc. Pay it forward