5 ways to build job integrity: maintaining career honesty

History books are full of stories about those who tried to cheat their employers and were caught. The sad thing is that those in search of the shifty deceiver’s fraudulent practices overlook those who follow the high moral path.

Living a double life on the job is unwholesome and unhealthy. Stress builds when we try to take unfair advantage of an employer and then cover it up for perhaps several years. Who wants to live like that, always wondering if you'll get found out and what your family will think? Many executives have committed suicide when confronted by their misdeeds or threatened with the possibility of discovery.

If you're tempted to take a shortcut at your job, think twice. Instead of leaving a legacy of guilt and shame, build a reputation for honest dealing and ethical standards. Here are some tips that can help:

1. Maintain accurate records. Don't fudge the numbers after a business trip or write off a family party as company entertainment. Write exact figures on the time card or an expense sheet rather than rounding up numbers to pocket a little extra reimbursement. Be sure to account for all personal or company expenses that are related to your job.

2. Be accountable to another employee. This is especially important if you are responsible for managing a sizable company account or oversee a departmental budget. Show monthly figures to someone you trust who can double-check them for accuracy. Both you and the company will benefit when you go the extra mile to build trust. Get in the habit of having coffee with those you respect, and you will earn a reputation of being like them as well as learn from their wisdom and experience.

3. Keep your word. Don't make promises you can't keep or lie about something that you said or did. Even small white lies can be dangerous when exposed. Follow through when asked to do something, and don't blame others when mishaps occur. Take responsibility for your actions when things don't work out rather than resorting to excuses or half-truths.

4. Don't take advantage of relationships. Avoid cultivating professional friendships because of possible advantages the person may offer. Don't expect favors or preferential treatment. Follow the usual protocol instead of relying on who you know to help cut through red tape for you. Never attempt to bribe, threaten, or flatter someone into doing something for you.

5. Pull your weight. Stealing from your employer can take many forms, including not giving a full day's work. Don't overstay your welcome in the break room, or take a two-hour lunch. Call off sick only when you really are ill. Avoid complaining, gossiping, arguing, or joking too much around the office. All of these steal time from your job duties.

Chances are you'll hear the small voice of conscience when tempted to do something you shouldn't in the workplace. The next time it whispers, listen carefully, and don't allow yourself to do something that will jeopardize your reputation or your career. Most things in life can be earned or bought back when lost, but losing your good name may be permanent.

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How to make good career choices

When looking to make a career change you may be nervous about making a bad choice. You probably know what type of job you are looking for and how much you'd like to get paid, but you may not have considered other important issues that could make or break your decision. Besides the industry and type of career you are looking for other factors help in determining if you will succeed or fail in your new position. Many times jobs are lost due to people being unhappy with three things: travel time, schedule, and dislike of certain job duties. In order to ensure that your new career is something you will stick with you should first take into consideration these three important issues.

With gas prices soaring and transportation becoming harder to find you should have an idea of how far you are willing to travel for your new job. If you live in a larger city where public transportation is an option you may also want to think about how far you will have to walk from the bus or subway stop to your new job. If you are driving yourself consider the roads you must take, rush hour traffic jams and even weather issues. Also look at how much transportation will cost you. Is the cost worth the salary or are you going to be better off taking something that pays less, but is closer to home? For some people this may not seem big issue, but the worst thing that could happen is getting your dream job only to find out you can't tolerate the twenty minute walk from the bus stop to the office or the expense of bi-weekly fill ups at the pump.

Are you a night owl or an early bird? it helps to know the answer when looking for a new job. Many companies offer a wide variety of schedule choices. Besides the normal first, second or third shifts you may also find split-shifts, varied hours or jobs where you work three 12 hour days then have four days off. Having a clear idea of what will work best for you will ensure you won't end up hating that your new job cuts into your social plans or worse that you end up getting fired because you can't seem to get the hang of third shift life.

You probably already know what kind of job you want, but do you know what kinds of job duties you like and do not like to do? Every company has their own way of doing things. That is why every employer has some sort of training or orientation program to teach you their way of doing things. For example, at some fast food restaurants you must work in each area of the store, while at others you usually work at the same area. If you do not like cooking you will want to look for a job at a restaurant where you could just work the cash register. Be sure to ask at your job interview what your specific job duties will be, so you do not end up with a surprise on your first day. If you have something you really do not like doing and find out it is something you will have to do everyday at your new job then things probably won't work out.

Keeping in mind travel, schedule, and your likes/dislikes when making a career change will help you make a good career choice. All you need to do is be honest and realistic about what you really want. It is helpful to make a list of what you want when job searching and then for the interview have a list of questions to ask. The better prepared you are for your job search the faster you will find a new career that is good for you. You will find a new career that you are happy and stay with your new company for a long time.

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How to pick the best career for the future

Selecting the perfect career can be as simple as just doing what you love or as strategic as obtaining the appropriate education in an area that you are interested in and working your way up the ladder. What counts most is that you are sincere in identifying those activities that bring you the most joy. What gets you excited? When you think about how much time the average American spends at work, it’s not hard to imagine the importance of making a good fit a priority. Don’t just seek the big paycheck. If you hate getting up and going in each day, you won’t be an inspired worker and you’ll ultimately wind up being unfulfilled. Having an intrinsic motivation for your line of work can bring you more satisfaction and will undoubtedly enable you to be more efficient and successful at what you do.

In all career pursuits, whether it’s something that you have specifically sought a degree in or if it’s just an area you are considering venturing into, do your research and self-educate as much as you can. Read up on industry trends in government annuals or the web. Seek out local companies, professional organizations, and contacts in that industry that can give you more insight into the particulars. If possible, secure a mentor for advice, encouragement and direction. Be informed and make an honest assessment of whether or not it’s something you would enjoy doing.

Think of it this way…if you had the choice of doing anything in the world, what is the one thing that you wouldn’t mind doing all day? Some people have successfully turned their love of candle and potpourri making, creative knack for making greeting cards, or their sewing skills into their own small business. Look for ways to fuel your own passion and give yourself personal satisfaction. Every great business started somewhere. A little ingenuity can take you far.

Aptitudes Equal Altitudes

Most importantly, identify your key strengths, talents and tangible skills. Gone are the days of old where people landed one job and stayed there for 30 years. Companies merge, some close, the economy fluctuates, outsourcing creates global job markets. The more diverse your skills, the more value you can bring to an organization. Are you good with people? Do you have a love of being in the spotlight? You might want to consider a career in sales where you can serve others by offering your expertise and building relationships. Or perhaps you have a knack for problem solving? Across all industries, there is a need for bright people with the ability to find creative and speedy resolutions to problems in management, human resources, core business functions, and in customer service. Marketable skills are those that companies have to have filled by the right talent. In essence, they are skills that companies will pay for. An ideal skill is one that is also transferable between industries because it gives you more flexibility and options. Also identify your areas for improvement and begin the process of getting the proper training, development and education necessary to help you get where you want to be. Having a portfolio of skills such as proficiencies with computers, public speaking, time management/multi-tasking, team building and coordination, or project planning goes a long way. Your resume is your calling card and the interview is your foot in the door. Sell yourself based on your past accomplishments and strengths. Be confident and don’t shy away from tooting your own horn.

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College graduate jobs: working abroad

So you've just graduated from college, and you're convinced it's time to try the adventure of a lifetime. Have you considered working abroad?

Working abroad after college can be an incredibly rewarding experience if you do the right research and find the right program for you. The college from which you graduated should be able to provide you with an array of resources. Try your college library and contact your career counseling center at your college.

Remember that many, if not most, countries have laws on how can or cannot work in their countries from abroad. While you might be tempted to work abroad illegally after college, this is not a good idea. You might think you can get away with it, but if nothing else your conscience will remember your actions. In addition, you might end up with a criminal record. Foreign countries have just as much right as your own country to implement their laws.

An excellent resource for working abroad after college is a program called CIEE. This organization is dedicated to helping recent graduates work abroad. The organization has plenty of information and staff dedicated to helping you to find the right country to work in. The program sets up opportunities with other countries to allow you to work there for a certain period of time. There is a fee, but it is a reasonable fee and an unblievable opportunity. CIEE will often help you find the right resources once you are abroad, too.

You can look up CIEE on the Internet to get their phone number and to visit their website. This is perhaps one of the better known opportunties for such work abroad programs.

You might also consider organizations such as the Peace Corps, the Army, the Navy, and so on. Sometimes your local bookstore or library will have a book on how to live and work abroad. You can also visit Amazon.com to find such a resource.

Before you make your final decision on where to go and what to do, do some serious soul searching. What do you want to get out of this experience? Do you want to learn a foreign language, meet new people, learn a foreign trade, or simply have a relaxing, fun time after your recent graduation? Once you have examined your motives, begin your search for the right resources and get ready to find the right experience for you.

Working abroad can be a life-changing experience, and it is worth taking the time and energy to do the research that will enable you to find the great adventure for you! Enjoy the process, and enjoy your journey!

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