Students Entering the Workforce Get the Inside Scoop on Polite Office Behavior
MAYNARD, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE via COLLEGIATE PRESSWIRE)--Aug. 13, 2007--Recent graduates across the country are preparing to start their first post-collegiate jobs and will soon pack their dorm lifestyle for a new office space - but what do their personal habits say about their professional image? MonsterTRAK, the student division of Monster(R), the leading global online careers property and flagship brand of Monster Worldwide, Inc. (NASDAQ: MNST) reveals the top ten tips for workplace etiquette.
"Embarking on your first job in the real world is an exciting time and often exudes a huge sense of accomplishment. It is important to remember, however, that even the smallest things you do - from the way you dress to the pictures on your desk - will be noticed by your new colleagues," said Mark Charnock, Vice President and General Manager, MonsterTRAK. "Gauge the office environment before personalizing your workspace and take notice of how co-workers express themselves. Remember - you only get one chance to make a first impression."
MonsterTRAK's Top Ten List for Workplace Etiquette:
1. Say Cheese! - Instead of chronicling your party adventures with college buddies, display PG-rated photos of yourself with friends and family.
2. Rock On... Quietly - Before rocking out at your desk, ask your supervisor if playing music is allowed. If so, use headphones as to not distract others. Regardless of this protocol - be sure to avoid downloading music onto your work computer.
3. Ring-a-Ling - Set the cell phone to vibrate or silent mode - especially while attending a meeting or if your ringer is the latest dance beat. Keep personal calls and text messaging to a minimum, preferably during your breaks.
4. Buddy Lists - Instant messaging is a great way to stay connected with the outside world but not all offices permit the use of instant messaging, so be sure to ask a supervisor before downloading any services. Also, be sure your friends and co-workers are kept on separate lists to avoid any embarrassing mistakes.
5. Love, Not War - Freedom of speech is a beautiful thing. However, screaming your praises for a favored political candidate, for example, is best kept to yourself - at least in the beginning - to avoid creating office politics of your own.
6. Brown Bag Lunch - It is not uncommon to eat lunch at your desk, therefore be aware of what you pack. Certain foods are more pungent than others, so be considerate of those sitting around you.
7. Personal Grooming - Everyone likes to make a good impression, but keep your environment in mind. While hand lotion, lip balm, breath fresheners and a hair brush are appropriate to keep at your desk; hairsprays, nail polish and perfumes or colognes should only be used in the restroom.
8. Allergy-Inducing Decorations - Plants and flowers are an easy way to add a little warmth and a touch of home to your workspace, but your neighbor may think those beautiful bouquets cause more problems than pleasure. Succulents, ferns and orchids are usually allergy-friendly; just remember to keep them watered - no one likes dead plants.
9. Resources and Reading - Employers appreciate resourceful employees; if you have reference books that you think will be helpful, by all means bring them in. Be sure to recognize, however, that the most recent Harry Potter installment or People Magazine don't qualify for most jobs.
10. Friendly Visitors - Keep in mind that your desk isn't the best hangout spot when friends stop by to meet for lunch. Ask visitors to wait in the lobby or in the front of the building to avoid disturbing your co-workers.
For more tips to help you succeed in the workplace, including ways to avoid gossip and office politics or how to be a good listener instead of a know-it-all, reference this MonsterTRAK article before you embark on your new job:
About MonsterTRAK
Founded in 1987 as JobTRAK and acquired by Monster(R), the leading online global careers and recruitment resource, in 2000, MonsterTRAK https://www.monstertrak.monster.com is dedicated to preparing college students to enter the job market and find the right job, optimizing and expanding the services career centers provide, and connecting employers with the most qualified students to fill internship, part-time and entry-level positions. MonsterTRAK https://www.monstertrak.monster.com has over 1.6 million active users and maintains relationships with more than 3,100 college and university career centers, MBA programs and alumni associations nationwide. For more information, please visit www.monstertrak.com.
About Monster Worldwide
Monster Worldwide, Inc. (NASDAQ: MNST), parent company of Monster(R), the premier global online employment solution for more than a decade, strives to bring people together to advance their lives. With a local presence in key markets in North America, Europe, and Asia, Monster works for everyone by connecting employers with quality job seekers at all levels and by providing personalized career advice to consumers globally. Through online media sites and services, Monster delivers vast, highly targeted audiences to advertisers. Monster Worldwide is a member of the S&P 500 Index and the NASDAQ 100. To learn more about Monster's industry-leading products and services, visit www.monster.com. More information about Monster Worldwide is available at www.monsterworldwide.com.
Special Note: Safe Harbor Statement Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Except for historical information contained herein, the statements made in this release constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties, including statements regarding Monster Worldwide, Inc.'s strategic direction, prospects and future results. Certain factors, including factors outside of Monster Worldwide's control, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements, including economic and other conditions in the markets in which Monster Worldwide operates, risks associated with acquisitions, competition, seasonality and the other risks discussed in Monster Worldwide's Form 10-K and other filings made with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
