FINDING a job can be difficult but for many, keeping a job, while becoming self-actualised and achieving job success is even more so. Some suggestions on how to be successful on the job follow.

1. Ensure ‘right fit’ for the job

This begins with the recruitment and selection process. If you are a recruiter, you should ensure that the people selected for specific positions have the required skills, competencies, qualifications and attitude for the position. This is not an easy task, but using the right selection strategies, as well as an advertisement which really reflects the job profile and requirements can achieve a high level of success.

If you are a job seeker, you should ensure that you apply for and accept positions in keeping with your abilities, values and interests. Accepting a job merely for the remuneration or because of its convenience (eg flexible hours) could impact on how well the job is done and reduce your chance for job success.

2. Know your role and responsibilities

Once you have been offered a position and are accepting, you should show your roles and responsibilities. Know the structure of the organisation and understand the reporting structure. Ensure that you have the required equipment, tools, facilities and personnel to do the tasks.

Additionally, you should know who does your performance appraisal and the areas in which you will be assessed. Performance appraisals, used appropriately, can help you to identify areas for improvement as well as serve as a motivation when you are commended and recognised for achievements. Above all, the objectives set at the beginning will help you to work toward specific goals.

3. Know the mission and vision of the organisation

Knowing the mission and vision of the organisation is crucial. These help you to align your department’s goals and work objectives to that of the organisation – irrespective of your position – working towards one major goal. You conceptualise how your work fits into the bigger picture thereby giving it relevance and importance.

In addition to the mission and vision, you should get to know the history and culture of your organisation. This will help you to better understand the people with whom you work as well as the organisation’s past and how it has developed over the years.

4. Manage your time well

This is crucial if you are to achieve success on the job. Try to meet deadlines for projects and daily activities. Prioritise your activities. Create a balance between personal responsibilities and those of the job. Overall, you should try to effectively manage all the information which comes to you. Managing your time well will increase productivity. This will result in a high level of satisfaction, thereby reducing stress and increasing your level of motivation.

5. Plan a career path

While meeting the requirements of your job, you should take time to plan your career path. This can be done only after you are sure of your career objective. Achieving success where this is concerned will require that you do an assessment of the opportunities which exist within your organisation presently, and make predictions as to what could exist within the next few years.

Know the requirements and how selections are made. You may need to upgrade your qualifications or make changes in the area of employment. Sometimes achieving career success may even require a change of job outside of the organisation in which you are currently employed.

6. Practise life-long learning

People who succeed on the job and in their career usually pursue opportunities for training and development on the job as well as off the job. Seek out such opportunities. If this does not exist, then you should take the initiative to pursue further studies. These include excellent communication and interpersonal skills, decision making and problem solving.

You should exercise a high level of dedication and commitment to the job and to the organisation. You should be seen as possessing positive work attitudes. These include getting the work done by meeting deadlines, which may require that you work additional hours. Portraying a positive image of your organisation within the external environment, punctuality, regular attendance, teamwork, dedication and commitment will also help with this image.

Job success and career goals can be achieved if people become aware of the organisation’s goals and try to excel in working as part of a team to meet these goals. The individual, however, should keep focused on his/her career goals and strive to meet the requirements for achieving them.

Merrit Henry is career counsellor and students services manager at the Placement and Career Services Unit, UWI, Mona. She may be contacted at merrit.henry@uwimona.edu.jm.