Become an Effective Office Staff

4 Parts:

Effective Office Staff Checklist

Tips to Consider When Applying for a Job

Questions and Answers

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Are you struggling at work? Are you having a difficult time completing office tasks? Do you get stressed easily when it comes to work-related decisions? If so, perhaps it's time to address that issue and to start doing something about it.

Being a part of an office staff means that you have to do a series of jobs that your superior requires of you. You need to meet deadlines and strive to excel in the workplace. Keep this in mind; good work is equivalent to good impression with the boss. Exactly how can you become an effective office staff? Here are some tips and steps to score major points in the work place.

Workers can only be effective if they love their job. Don't choose a job you don't look forward to, choose a career you are passionate about, and your life will be much easier.

1. 1
   Be Time Conscious

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   Remember that old saying "Why put off until tomorrow, what you can do today"? Well, it wouldn't be a famous line that teachers and grownups are fond of, unless it taught a valuable lesson. When in the workplace, never start something you cannot finish. Don't keep postponing tasks that have an upcoming deadline. This is not a good strategy and will only result in work getting piled up. Also, once you are in crunch time, your work will not be as good as it would have been if you had more time. Rushed work is almost always poor in quality. Always remember to prioritize your tasks and create a time line for each one, and monitor the progress of each project. Some tips include making time-lines for each project, making notes and planners.

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2. 2
   Be organized

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   Have your hard copy filed and labeled correctly and always arrange it in a way that whatever you or your colleagues require, can easily be found when needed. The same concept also applies to the files and folders saved on your computer. It will be best to categorize your files and save them in a folder labelled appropriately, so you can quickly search for information when needed. Always clean your work place for a smoother workflow.

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3. 3
   Be Modern

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   Computers have made almost everything easier. They have contributed to the world in many fields and makes work easier, and workers more efficient. You need not be an expert in coding or be a genius hacker to reap the benefits that computers have to offer. However, it is best to be educated with the basic tasks that can be done using a computer especially in the office. Explore the different software, tools and programs. A great tip is getting familiar with using keyboard shortcuts to save time.

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4. 4
   Be Independent but Guided

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   There are times where you can use initiative to get your work done, however, there are cases that require a fresh set of eyes or an expert advice. When this happens to you, don't hesitate to approach your coworker or immediate supervisor for assistance. If the instruction is vague, ask for clarifications. In return, when others need help, share knowledge or help them if you can.

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5. 5
   Be Responsible

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   A responsible office staff must always know and comply with the rules and regulations set forth by the company. The worker should do everything necessary to deliver high quality work. If you are within company hours, you must not do anything unrelated to work tasks which may include gossiping, loitering, sleeping, personal entertainments, spending time on your phone on Facebook playing Bejewelled, etc. Learn proper work ethics by reading up and asking questions. If you make a mistake - we all do - own up. Admit when you are wrong, and people will know you can be trusted. Ensure your superiors it will not happen again, and ever blame anyone for your wrongdoings.

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6. 6
   Be Professional

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   Always keep in mind that you are employed to work. This is a professional obligation, and that means there must be a boundary between your personal and professional lives. It goes without saying that you must keep professional relationships just that, professional. Nothing more. Nothing less.

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7. 7
   Be Respectful

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   Value the time of others. Never hover over anyone's workstation while they are trying to get work done, or speaking to someone else. You can go back when they are available. Also, address your coworkers professionally like 'Miss Lily' or 'Scott' never use nicknames like 'T.Dawg' or 'Scott Main Man' at work.

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8. 8
   Be Punctual

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   Being a couple of minutes early allows you to have time to unwind and collect your thoughts for the day. You can plan out the tasks you want to accomplish, making sure you won't end the day with things unfinished. Also, you won't be stressed to reach your desk on time.

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9. 9
   Be Communicative

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   It is best to be open with the people you work with on a professional level. You have to speak up when you have suggestions, ideas and concerns; don't be afraid to speak up. If you find yourself disagreeing with your boss, take a deep breath and think before you speak. Do not be passive or aggressive; be assertive. Approach your boss in a courteous manner and speak your mind in the most professional way possible.

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10. 10
    Team Work:

    

    There is no "I" in TEAMWORK.

    If you are working with groups be transparent with the tasks you are doing

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    Also, try asking about your teammates' progress to see if you can offer assistance once you are done with your own tasks. Most importantly, there is no "I" in Teamwork.

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11. 11
    Be Hungry for Knowledge

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    Take advantage of trainings or seminars provided by the company. If there are none, find new ways of learning. Learning doesn't stop in the four corners of the classroom; you must also keep abreast with the modern ways of improving your craft. Don't stop reading. Pick books, magazines and articles that you find helpful in relation to your job.

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1. 1
   Basic Qualifications

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   Don't apply for a job that you know you can't handle. If you do not possess the qualifications required, then maybe the work is not for you and is better suited for somebody else. Even though you might have the qualifications for the job, it doesn't mean you have the capacity to do the work properly, it only means that you are qualified.

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2. 2
   Field of Specialization

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   Apply for jobs that fit your specialization and not only those meeting your basic qualifications. An effective worker must consider this because productivity increases when the job matches your field of specialization. If you are not an expert in that field, you must at least have ample experience related to the job before applying.

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3. 3
   Physically Fit

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   You should have the ability to perform the work properly. The worker must be free of any disease and free of any sickness. This is to protect the health of the worker from any negative effects that may be caused by work. You also need to consider your physical strength for work that requires physical tasks.

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4. 4
   Skills

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   The skills required must be possessed by the applicant.

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5. 5
   Confidence

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   You have to learn to sell yourself. If you have the experience and skills but lack confidence in yourself, you will have a hard time landing your dream job, even though you are qualified and fantastic at what you do. Know your abilities, and be proud of your achievements. Don't be nervous when you are applying for work because it will make the employer believe you aren't good. You cannot expect people you've never met to believe in you, when it's obvious to them you don't believe in yourself.

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==Do

• Tardiness. This will go on your record and is not ideal for your long-term career. You will also have a lower chance of getting regularized.
• Wear the required uniform. Do not wear clothes that are inappropriate for the office such as tattered jeans, jeans, shorts and the like.
• Always be humble even if others are not. Even if others are not good to you, just don't mind them. Act professional.
• Don't quarrel with your boss and work mates.
• Keep your personal and professional life separate." Don't unload difficulties at home on your co-workers. If you have a co-worker who's become a friend outside of the office, you can unload on each other - but only during breaks and lunch.

I would like to work in this field.

Hi, I currently work as a utility porter, but I would like to change fields. I would love to work in a office, school. library, etc.This is new to me but also go back to school.

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How to be an effective office staff?

I'm starting to work as an office staff, but I have no experience yet

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If you have problems with any of the steps in this article, please ask a question for more help, or post in the comments section below.

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