The Hidden Rules of Work 🔍

By Lorraine Wilson, Co-Founder, Keyba Careers 

The stuff nobody teaches you… but employers expect you to know.

Starting your first job or entering a new workplace can be exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. While schools, training organisations and employers can teach you technical skills, there are often workplace expectations that nobody talks about.

In this blog, I talk about the “hidden rules of work” – the things that nobody teaches you, but employers expect you to know.

Here are 10 practical tips to help you feel more confident, professional and job-ready.

1. Being on Time Means Being Early

Being “on time” doesn’t usually mean arriving at work at your start time, or worse, arriving late.  

Most employers expect you to arrive, get yourself organised and be ready to start work at your start time.

Aim to arrive at work 5-10 minutes earlier. Allow yourself time to settle in and do what you have to, so you are ready to start at the designated time you are meant to commence work.

Over the years, I’ve spoken with many employers, and reliability is one of the qualities they consistently value. Whether you’re working in an office, on-site or from home, being prepared and ready to start work on time often leaves a strong impression.

2. Being on Your Phone

You might think checking your phone every few minutes isn’t a big deal.

Your employer might see it differently.

It’s important that when you are at work, you are engaged, listening, focused and participating. Ensure you are present, doing your work and not distracted by your phone. People notice how often you are on your phone, including customers. This is about showing respect for the people around you and trying your best to be professional.

3. Ask Questions

Don’t think that asking questions makes you look inexperienced or a sign of weakness. It’s not. If you don’t understand or are unsure about something, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Asking questions demonstrates initiative.

I often tell participants in my workshops that there is no such thing as a silly question when you’re learning. Most managers would rather answer a question than fix a mistake later.

4. Follow Up After an Interview

If you want to demonstrate initiative and leave a positive impression, send a short thank-you email after an interview. Something like: “Thank you for taking the time to meet with me today. I enjoyed learning more about the role and appreciate the opportunity.”

Not a lot of people do this, and yet a small professional gesture like this can help you stand out and make a difference.

5. Having the Right Attitude

Attitude is one of the qualities employers talk about most. Skills can often be taught, but qualities such as reliability, respect and willingness to learn are much harder to teach.

Employers seek people who have a:

• Positive mindset and attitude
• Reliability
• Willingness to learn
• Respect for others

Don’t underestimate the power of showing up with the right mindset.

6. Introduce Yourself First

When you’re starting a new job, don’t wait for everyone to come to you.

Introduce yourself. Say hello. Learn people’s names and start conversations.

Building positive relationships is one of the most important workplace skills you can develop.

7. Bring Solutions, Not Just Problems

How you respond matters, and problem-solving is a skill highly sought after by employers.

When something goes wrong, don’t just point it out; think about solutions too. This demonstrates initiative, and this type of thinking gets noticed. 

8. Communication Is More Than Talking

If you look at job advertisements, you’ll notice employers regularly mention they seek candidates who possess excellent communication skills.

Communication skills are more than just speaking. It’s:

• Listening
• Reading
• Writing
• Non-verbal communication
• Asking questions
• Understanding others

Communication helps us to build relationships, opportunities and grow personally and professionally.

9. Nobody Expects You to Know Everything

Everyone starts from somewhere. If you’re starting a new job, it can feel overwhelming. But it’s ok. Employers don’t expect you to know everything on your first day. They’re looking for effort, attitude and a willingness to learn.

10. One Question That Gets You Noticed

Before you finish for the day, ask: “Is there anything else I can help with?”

Asking this simple question demonstrates initiative and can leave a lasting impression. It shows you care and can create more opportunities for yourself.

While every workplace is different, understanding these hidden rules can help you make a positive impression, build stronger workplace relationships and feel more confident in your role. The good news is that these skills can all be learned and developed over time.

For more practical tips and information to help you feel more confident and job-ready, check out Keyba Careers online courses. They are designed to help young people and job seekers develop the confidence and skills needed to secure employment.