Job Traps

Never grab any offer before knowing enough about the job

Watch out for job advertisements that do not give you enough information. Always make sure you know exactly what you wil be doing on the job and what the salary will be

Never be pressured to sign any contracts

Do not sign any contracts immediately if you are unclear about it. Ask to take them home so you can study them more carefully and consult others.

Never be tempted to take up a job just for the "good money"

Beware of job advertisements that offer "extra commission", "get-rich-quick" and "easy work" promises without requiring experience and qualifications. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Never accept jobs that will get you into trouble with the law

Be sensible and make sure that the job offered to you does not involve illegal activities such as selling pirated or fake goods.

Never pay to work

Generally, no employer should ask you to pay him/her a fee before you start working. If you are required to make payments, clarify what the fees are for.

Never join a company blindly

You should make sure that you have some general knowledge about the company.

One way is to call the company and find out as much as possible before going for the interview. Ask about the products or services that they are selling and also check their website.

Talk to your friends or parents. They might have experiences to share with you.

Always be alert during the interview

If you feel uneasy about going alone for an interview in an unfamiliar place, ask someone to accompany you. Ask questions to check if the actual work that you are expected to perform matches the description in the job advertisement.

Find out about working hours and other terms such as leave.

If you do not get an answer that you are comfortable with, do not take up the job offer.

Leave the interview quickly if the interviewer asks inappropriate questions (e.g. your dating preferences or your/your family’s financial information).

Your Boss

Developing a good relationship with your boss is vital to how well you succeed and grow in your career. He or she can give you the exposure and guidance that is beneficial to both your career and personal development

TIPS on how to get along with difficult bosses:

• Be professional and mature.
• Be respectful, but not afraid.
• Open Communication: Ask him/her for feedback, support and direction on what it takes to be a great employee.
• Show that you are interested in your work.
• Don't complain about your boss to colleagues.

Your Colleagues

Maintaining a good relationship with colleagues helps you to be more productive and efficient. Nothing beats having a great bunch of folks who you can hang out with during and after work. More importantly, they will be the ones you can learn from and lean on when you need help.

TIPS to get along with difficult colleagues:

• Examine yourself to ensure that you are not overreacting.
• Be willing to recognize that you may have contributed to the problem.
• Approach the person whom you have a problem with for a private discussion to ask if you can do anything to help the situation.
• Avoid actions that can make things worse (like gossiping with others).
• Keep your cool.

Your Customers

Being able to please and win your customers over is critical to your career.

TIPS to get along with difficult customers:

• Some customers may vent their anger or unhappiness to you, but remember that it's not personal. They could just be having a bad day, so do not take it personally.
• Keep cool so that you can think carefully. Remember not to say or do the first thing that comes to your head.
• Write down the complaint, talk to your supervisor and consider what you can do differently next time.