Understanding the Expectations in the Workforce
Are you (or someone you know) getting ready for a work experience placement?
The world of work is vastly different to life at school. If you’re about to start work experience, an internship, or Structured Workplace Learning to gain valuable real-life work experience, you might be feeling a little unsure about what to expect.
As an employer, I’d like to share five tips to help you prepare and make the most of this opportunity.
- Show Commitment
If you have been fortunate enough to have found an organisation or small business who are willing to take you on board for you to gain experience, then they’ll be looking for commitment from you in return.
As part of your commitment, you must show up each day with a positive, can-do attitude. Be excited to come to work each day and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the tasks assigned to you for your work experience. Be punctual, follow instructions, and give every task your best shot.
Work experience provides an insight into the workplace and the day-to-day realities of a specific job or industry. This exposure will help you determine if the job aligns with your interests, and you’ll have the opportunity to make new connections and begin building your professional network.
It’s essential to approach this experience with an open mind and a commitment to try your best. This is your chance to learn what you enjoy, and if you don’t, that’s ok. Consider it a valuable learning opportunity and cross it off your list.
2. Be Open to Learning
Employers will expect your willingness to engage and learn. It is important to approach each day with a positive attitude and maintain a mindset to learn and grow.
Ask questions. Learn about the business – its history, its mission, purpose and values, its clients, and its challenges. Find out how team members got started in their roles. What was their career path? What does their day-to-day work involve? Observe their processes and systems.
This mindset will help you gain valuable insights into different jobs and industries and help you shape your career aspirations.
3. Practice Effective Communication
Good communication is key in any workplace. This includes how you speak, listen, write, and even your body language.
It’s important that you are aware of your communication in the workplace.
Communication in the workplace comes in various forms – whether it’s face-to-face, over the phone, via email, video conferencing, social platforms or through work management software tools. Pay attention to tone, clarity, and timing.
You need to be clear on the best way to communicate and be adaptable to suit the situation and who you’re speaking with. Always aim to be respectful, clear, and professional.
(We’ve shared more communication tips in our previous blog: https://keybacareers.com.au/communication-tips-that-get-you-noticed/)
4. Be Resourceful and Customer-Focused
No business can succeed without customers. Everything we do, individually or as a team, must contribute to delivering a great experience for them.
Whatever role you’re in, take pride in your work. Try your best to deliver good customer service. Pay attention to the details and take care of what you are doing. Mistakes can happen, and that’s ok – just be honest, own up to it. Learn from them and avoid making the same mistake again. This is where your communication and problem-solving skills come in.
5. Present Yourself Well
How you present yourself matters – it reflects your professionalism and respect for the workplace.
Here are a few basics to keep in mind:
- Wear clean, neat clothes suitable for the work environment.
- Avoid overly casual or revealing outfits.
- Keep your hair tidy (including facial hair).
- Wear clean shoes.
- Use deodorant and a pleasant-smelling fragrance – take action to avoid body odour.
Try to dress in a way that mirrors their business, as if you are already employed. Feeling confident in your appearance can boost your self-esteem and help you make a strong impression.
Final Tip: Always thank the people who have supported or mentored you during your experience. A sincere “thank you” goes a long way and leaves a lasting, positive impression.
At Keyba Careers, our purpose is to educate and empower people across Australia, equipping them with professionalism and confidence to excel, network, and open up career opportunities for themselves. We are dedicated to closing the gap between education and industry, helping people find employment in the industry of their choice, and ultimately developing their careers.
To help you, we have online crash courses to help you become job-ready!
