I Got The Job!
Now How Do I Keep It?
Sponsored in part by the Workforce Development Agency, State of Michigan, Michigan Works!, through your local
Workforce Development Board and Muskegon County Board of Commissioners. Auxiliary aids and services are
available upon request to individuals with disabilities EEO/ADA/Employer/Programs - TTY# - 711.

JOB RETENTION
•Attendance
•Attitude
•Appearance
What’s Your Focus?

ATTENDANCE
4 Attendance Rules:
1. Why?
2. When?
3. Who?
4. How?

ATTENDANCE
1. Why?
• You should always come to work unless you have a
good reason for being absent
• If you are going to be absent, you must notify your
supervisor
• If you don’t show up, your coworkers must work harder
to get the job done

ATTENDANCE
2. When?
• If you have a good reason for being absent, find
someone to take your place
• If you are unable to find a replacement, give your
employer time to find one or prepare for your absence

ATTENDANCE
3. Who?
• When you call in, make sure you talk to your supervisor
or the person in charge
• Some supervisors will accept an email or text message;
make sure to check with yours on what’s appropriate for
calling in

ATTENDANCE
4. How?
• Your reason for missing work should be explained clearly
and completely
• Be respectful; how you explain is important
• Some employers don’t require an explanation; check
with yours on what’s appropriate

POSITIVE ATTITUDE
• Get along with everyone—it’s a choice
• You don’t have to be friends with your coworkers, but you do
need to be respectful
• Be cooperative
• Be a team player—working together gets the job done faster
and more efficiently
• Get along with your supervisor
• Be respectful—they evaluate you
• Admit your mistakes
• It’s important to learn from your mistakes so they do not occur
often

POSITIVE ATTITUDE
• Accept constructive criticism
• This will help you improve
• Listen carefully
• Take notes if you need to
• Ask questions
• Be sure you understand what’s being explained to you
• Learn quickly
• Work should be done on time and correctly once you
learn your job duties

POSITIVE ATTITUDE
More people lose their
jobs because of bad
attitudes than because of
poor skills.

APPROPRIATE APPEARANCE
• Professional
• Dress appropriately for the job
• Always consult your company’s dress
code first
• Minimize makeup, jewelry, tattoos
• Practice good hygiene

JOB RETENTION TIPS
• Show up
• If you’re not at work, you can’t
contribute
• Work harder
• Try to exceed expectations
• Toot your own horn
• This should be done subtly

JOB RETENTION TIPS
• Be your highest self
• Work hard and be honest and polite
• Open communication
• Being able to have a direct and honest
conversation with your boss is crucial
• Take extra shifts
• This will show you’re always willing to help, but
you’ll also get the benefits in your paycheck!

JOB RETENTION TIPS
• Take extra responsibility
• Help your coworkers when you can
• Do work others avoid
• It will get you noticed as a team player
• Make sacrifices
• This will also show that you’re a team
player

COMMUNICATION SKILLS
•Listening
•Verbal
•Non-verbal
•Written

COMMUNICATION SKILLS
•Listening
• Make eye contact
• Ask questions
• Focus on what the speaker is
saying
• Don’t change the subject
• If you’re confused about the
message, repeat it back in your
own words

COMMUNICATION SKILLS
•Verbal
• Speak clearly and distinctly
• Use proper grammar
• Stay on subject
• Speak at an appropriate speed
and volume

COMMUNICATION SKILLS
•Non-verbal
• People can tell a lot from the way
you move, sit, stand
• Facial expressions, hand gestures,
and eye contact can sometimes be
stronger than your words
• Your body language should reflect
what you’re really trying to say

COMMUNICATION SKILLS
•Written
• Make sure your information is accurate,
concise, and neat
• Make sure there are no spelling or
grammatical errors
• Do not use “text speak”

NECESSARY QUALITIES:
1. Do your work well
2. Set priorities
3. Stay calm under pressure
4. Solve problems
5. Make decisions
6. Work well with others
7. Communicate effectively
8. Know how to learn

NECESSARY QUALITIES:
87.5% of people
retain jobs because of
these qualities…

NECESSARY QUALITIES:
…Only 12% are
retained because of
their trade skills.

TERMINATING A JOB
• Notify your employer ASAP
• Give 2 weeks’ notice
• This gives the employer time to find a
replacement
• Submit a letter of resignation

“YOU’RE FIRED!”
1. Request an exit interview
• Find out why you’re being terminated and how to improve
2. Take responsibility
• Don’t make excuses or blame others; focus on what you can do
differently
3. Ask about your good qualities and request a letter of
recommendation
4. Thank them
• This is uncomfortable for all involved, it’s best if you can leave on a
positive note
5. Start your new job search NOW
• Do take some time to make sure you’re emotionally ready, but get
started ASAP
• The longer you’re unemployed, the harder it will be to find a new job

TOP 10 REASONS PEOPLE
LOSE THEIR JOBS:
1. Personality Conflict
2. Absenteeism
3. Tardiness
4. Behavior or attitude
5. Discrimination
6. Poor performance
7. Insubordination
8. Theft
9. Harassment
10. Layoffs

IN SUMMARY
Reflect on your performance
• Am I a team player?
• Am I a good listener?
• Am I able to accept criticism?

IN SUMMARY
Reflect on your performance
• Am I completing my job
assignments?
• Do I have a positive attitude?
• Do I regularly arrive at work
on time?

IN SUMMARY
Reflect on your performance
• Do I dress appropriately for my
job and practice good hygiene?
• How well do I get along with
co-workers and supervisor?

IN SUMMARY
Reflect on your performance
• How are my
communication skills?
• Do I learn from my
mistakes?
• How is my attendance?

Like what you saw?
We hope you found this information helpful. Check us out
at www.miworksmo.org.
• Give us any questions/comments/concerns
• See our workshop schedule
• Learn more about Michigan Works! Muskegon-Oceana

Source
Clinton County
Regional Educational Service Agency