Job seekers consistently aim for the highest position they can possibly gain. The key to job search success rests upon this basic principle. However, in order to succeed in the job market many job seekers are having to settle with what they can get and starting from entry level.
Entry level jobs should be thought of as a stepping stone to success in spite of low wages and often part time employment without benefits. These jobs are the foundation to better positions in the job market and should never be ignored simply because a person thinks that such a position is “beneath them”.
So how does one take an entry level position to the next level? By following a few basic principles.
Show enthusiasm, efficiency, caring, and love for your work
Employer’s are seeking employee’s that are willing to go the extra mile with a smile. Put a smile on your face and take out that bag of trash sitting in the corner. Be efficient and take the initiative rather than always waiting to be asked to do the obvious.
No matter how menial the task may be, remember that someone has to do it. Someone has to clean the bathrooms, scrub the floors, take out the trash etc. Perhaps these tasks aren’t on your assignment list but remember, if your boss sees that you don’t think you’re too good to do these tasks then you’re making a good impression.
Loving your work no matter what the task will gain you a good reputation. Showing your work ethic by being willing to do the most disgusting or menial tasks and do them well, will set you apart from the rest of the entry level employee’s.
Take pride in your work no matter how lowly it may seem. You never know when the right person may be watching and your promotion could be on the near horizon.
Master your skills and hone your craft
Working side by side with a coworker and finding out that they are making more money than you’re making for the same task can be very disheartening. Treat these times as a learning opportunity and learn everything you can about your job at hand. Glean the information form your coworker in a non threatening way and you’ll shine above all the other entry level employee’s.
Yes, you may be over qualified for your job position, but if you start at the bottom and work your way up you’ll prove yourself as worthy and employee’s that will one day work under you will have more respect for you as a supervisor when they know that you too have worked in the trenches and done the most menial tasks.
Be an expert on customer service
The customer is always right, even when the customer is wrong. There’s nothing worse than having to listen to an irate customer rant and rave about an injustice. Their perception could be well off the mark of truth but as a customer service representative your job is to make the customer happy. What a challenge.
Learning to deal with customer’s that are in a similar scenario will again set you apart from the rest of the entry level employee’s. Dealing with the customer in a polite fashion and learning to gently turn the conversation to “how to fix” the issue at hand will go far in honing your customer service skills.
With time and practice your skills will shine through and your boss will seek you out for your extensive wealth of knowledge.
Impress a customer who happens to be seeking an employee who knows optimum customer service
Occasionally your attitude will be so notable that another company will seek you out. Perhaps it was their CEO that you gently turned the conversation on as in the above scenario. Perhaps it was your kind voice or soft answer that lured them in. Whatever the case, you’ve been noticed and suddenly, you have a really great job offer on the horizon.
You never know when you might be entertaining your new boss simply by doing your regular ho hum job. So face every challenge with a smile and know that no matter what, you did your very best.
Typical entry level jobs might include receptionist, apprenticeship, fast food restaurants, customer service, retail clerk, bag person at grocery store, janitorial etc.
