Home School Heartbeat Radio Program

After investing so much time into your child's education, you want to now send him into the working world knowing what to expect. Mike Smith talks about preparing your child for his first job on today's Home School Heartbeat.

Mike Smith:
As you prepare your child for his first job, the most important concept you can convey is the idea of respecting the authority of others.


Sometimes it's as important to focus on what not to do, as well as what to do. There are obvious habits to avoid, such as talking back to superiors, but there are other crucial social skills that are much more subtle.


You can improve your child's chance of success by teaching him some specific rules of business etiquette. First example, respect other people's workspaces. Remember, if it doesn't belong to you, don't touch it!


Respecting his coworkers' time is another example. When he takes a break during the workday, it may not be a breaktime for his coworkers, and he should not sit down in someone else's office for a chat without first asking if it's a good time for a visit.


Similarly, it's a good practice to avoid assuming familiarity with senior-level workers. Your child may work in an office that wants him to address everyone by their first names, but he should err on the side of caution and address them as Mr. or Mrs. until invited to do otherwise. Although the working environment in most companies is far more relaxed today than ever before, it is wise to err on the side of professionalism. And until next time, I'm Mike Smith.