I love hard workers. I admire people who head to their jobs every day with a commitment to quality and timeliness. They dedicate themselves to their companies without sacrificing their own values because they understand that work means something. It signifies integrity. It fosters personal and corporate growth. It contributes to the strength of a person, a family and a company. These people deserve respect.
If you are one of the people I’m describing, someone with a steel-driven work ethic, it’s in your best interest to show it off.
I know, I know. Most self-motivated workers are humble to a fault. But companies rely on people like you to serve as the backbone of their organizations, providing leadership and support at all operational levels. They need you, which is why plenty of businesses will pay top dollar for roll-up-your-sleeves executives, hands-on managers and devoted employees.
Plan your job search right, and your work ethic will open the door to a rewarding, high-paying and stable position. Consider the following:
Bragging and talking are not the same thing. Many hard workers resist discussing their accomplishments. They don’t want to boast about themselves. But this silence can have a negative effect, including getting passed over for promotions, pay raises or new opportunities.
To advance your career, try to find a balance between silence (humility) and over-talking (bragging). In your current job, make sure the boss knows about your loyalty and focus. In your job hunt, mention your goals to friends and colleagues, people who have witnessed your work ethic firsthand. This unassertive type of networking can lead to your next job.
Resumes are like handshakes. Do you recall when you learned how to give a handshake? Reach out your hand with confidence. Be firm, but not too tight.
In job searching, your resume acts as your introductory handshake. In most cases, it arrives at the employer’s office before you do, speaking on your behalf. How are you representing yourself? With confidence or fear?
Prepare a resume that demonstrates your experience and goals, but also mentions your tireless work ethic. Use candid, forthright language. And don’t be afraid to describe yourself with truthful words and phrases such as: accountable, honest, reliable, natural leadership skills, diplomatic and sound decision-making abilities.
It’s also important to highlight some achievements in your resume, because they show potential employers how much you’ll bring to the team. Pick a few good ones (such as money that you saved the company, or procedures that you improved) and add them to your document.
Your value system makes you valuable. Without question, workers who possess a solid work ethic and strong value system are the best people to have on the payroll. You are part of the foundation — the human infrastructure — that allows a company to grow.
Seek out good companies, and have the courage to leave a bad situation before it gets under your skin. And remember to check in with yourself at all stages of your job search (and your career). If something doesn’t feel right — get out.
Your resourcefulness boosts profits for the company. Find an employer that appreciates you.
Send your job search questions to Eve.GetAJob@gmail.com.
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