In the competitive fashion employment market it is important to make that first impression in order to get the job but just as important to follow through on those initial eager promises.

During a recent conversation a friend of mine told me that she landed every job she had ever gone for! From school days part-timers right through to her present management position she has never been told ‘sorry you’re not suitable for this vacancy’. Some of you in fact may be nodding your heads in agreement as you recall your own job search history. So how do you make yourself indispensable to a company’s needs and wants?

Companies are only as good as the ideas that their employees bring to them so they want people who will contribute innovative approaches and methods.

Of course all employers want to find the right person the first time. The problem is that on the basis of one or two interviews it’s not that easy. A company will initially be looking for those important minimum requirements; a person who is diligent and detailed, attentive and reliable, motivated and friendly and of course, possessing the skills to perform the requirements laid down in the job description. In order to portray these qualities most of us know the basic interview techniques; be prepared, well-presented, on-time etc. From my experience the most common mistake made by hopeful interviewees is not interviewing for the actual job they are going for. Dwelling on your background in design if the role you’re applying for is in sales gives quite the wrong impression. Similarly just saying what you think the interviewer wants to hear and not having any opinions of your own does not impress an employer and if you do get the job just make things harder for you in the long run. Do your research into the company and be prepared with insightful answers but also voice your own thoughts and questions. Companies are only as good as the ideas that their employees bring to them so they want people who will contribute innovative approaches and methods.

Of course impressions don’t stop at the interview stage; your hard work needs to continue in order to maintain the reputation that you worked so hard to portray in that first meeting. It may be stating the obvious but being a good employee means being a good person. A positive work ethic develops over time and with much effort. It pays to start building on it from your first job no matter how minor that job may be.
There are many facets to a good work ethic; be courteous and friendly to your fellow workers whatever role they play in the company. Contribute to the work of others and let others contribute to yours. Update your skills and company knowledge regularly. Your work place should not be regarded as just a place to earn money.

Being able to settle in quickly to a new working environment is very important. This is true not only in a new job but also on a daily basis where technology and systems are constantly changing. Being able to adapt is essential. Structure your day so that it is most productive for you and your work patterns. Personally I find coming in early gives me a head start to the day, whereas staying late means I’m catching up. Whatever way you plan your day make sure you are consistent.

So perhaps my friend possesses all of the above positive attributes and really is the perfect employee. Or maybe she’s just not striving to her full potential. Rather than facing the fear of rejection she may not be pushing herself into roles that will be challenging. Instead she could be only pursuing roles that her past work history fits comfortably. On the road to really achieving at work you will face challenges and make mistakes but it’s the way in which you handle them that makes you a good or bad employee.

Your daily actions should be a reminder to your employer of why they hired you and why they continue to happily keep you on the payroll.