Work ethic is an attribute that employers value in every industry. Showing the values associated with a good work ethic can increase your employability and help you position yourself for better job opportunities. Employees with an excellent work ethic are often considered by employers for special projects because these people are viewed as reliable, dedicated and disciplined.
In this article, we discuss what a work ethic is, its most valuable components and steps to improve yours.
What is work ethic?
Work ethic is an attitude of determination and dedication toward one’s job. Those with a strong work ethic place a high value on their professional success. They exhibit moral principles that make them outstanding employees in any position.
If you have a strong work ethic, you believe in the importance of your job and typically feel that hard work is essential to maintaining a strong character.
Work ethic characteristics
Employees with a strong work ethic exhibit a particular set of values and behaviors. These characteristics make them stand out as highly coveted team members and praise-worthy employees.
Reliability
Employees with a strong work ethic are very reliable. You can expect these individuals to be on time for shifts and meetings. They meet their deadlines and offer quality work. A reliable coworker makes an excellent teammate because they contribute fairly to projects
Dedication
Part of a good work ethic is commitment and dedication to the job. They know how to focus on tasks without being distracted. These employees usually work until they finish their duties. They stay with one company for long periods.
Discipline
Discipline is an essential part of showing a good work ethic. Highly disciplined employees show determination and commitment to the job. They strive to meet or exceed expectations and seek opportunities to learn new skills and improve their performance.
Productivity
A strong work ethic translates to outstanding productivity. Productive employees often have a higher output than their counterparts. They complete projects early and do more than the minimum requirements.
Cooperation
A good work ethic is something that employees often spread to those around them by cooperating willingly on projects. They show good teamwork and readily assist others when needed.
Integrity
Professional integrity means holding oneself to high moral principles. Those with a strong work ethic also have outstanding integrity. They’re honest, polite and fair to others.
Responsibility
Demonstrating a strong work ethic requires a keen sense of responsibility. Those who are ethical and responsible hold themselves accountable for their actions. They will accept the blame for errors they’ve contributed to and proactively work to fix these issues.
Professionalism
Employees with a good work ethic almost always maintain their professionalism. They exhibit a professional attitude clear in the way they dress, speak and carry themselves. They’re respectful, focused, organized and neat.
How to improve work ethic skills
You can exhibit notable work ethic skills by acting professionally and dedicating yourself to the job. Try these tips to demonstrate your work ethic:
1. Act as an ambassador of the company
Maintain a positive attitude toward the company in both professional and personal interactions. Seek ways to further the business even if they’re outside the scope of your job. For example, a finance professional may pass a potential lead along to a sales representative.
2. Prioritize your professional responsibilities
Maintain good attendance, return promptly from lunch and arrive for meetings early. Strive to make personal appointments that don’t interfere with your work schedule and only take personal calls on your cell phone when you’re at lunch.
3. Seek professional development
Independently seek ways to improve your work performance, such as taking night classes, attending weekend seminars or reading industry publications.
4. Review your work
Submit thorough work that you have double-checked for quality and consistency. Manage your time properly so you can deliver projects early and give each task the time and attention it requires.
5. Show respect to others
Speak politely to and about others in the workplace. Keep your interactions professional to show your respect for others.
Ways to highlight work ethic skills
Showing the qualities of a good work ethic can help you improve your performance in any career. Employers look for the values associated with a strong work ethic when they’re hiring or promoting employees.
Employees can gain hard skills through training and education, but the soft skills associated with work ethic are more difficult to impart, so hiring managers typically look for individuals who already exhibit these qualities. Use the following tips to highlight your work ethic to prospective employers.
Work ethic skills for your resume
A strong work ethic is difficult to convey on a resume but you can emphasize some values associated with it as you describe your responsibilities in previous jobs. Highlight any instances where a previous client or employer selected you for a prestigious project or challenging task.
This shows you’re trustworthy and reliable. Detail any instances where you worked overtime to meet a deadline or handle an important issue. List awards and other recognition that you have received as these show your commitment to the job.
Work ethic skills for your cover letter
Your cover letter gives you some flexibility to discuss your work ethic in more detail. Mention skills associated with a strong work ethic, such as your dependability and discipline. Mention that you’re seeking a job that will challenge you and provide room for growth. This lets your prospective employer know that you want to work hard to do an outstanding job.
Work ethic skills for the job interview
The interview is the best place to show your work ethic. You can exhibit the essential values associated with a good work ethic throughout the interview process by:
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Arriving promptly before the interview
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Dressing professionally
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Giving a firm handshake and making eye contact
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Speaking respectfully to your interviewer
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Responding honestly to difficult questions, such as why you’re leaving your current job
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Providing examples of your integrity, such as an instance where you made a mistake but admitted to it and took steps to remedy the error
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Mentioning your willingness to work long hours to get the job done
Frequently asked questions
Why is work ethic important?
A strong work ethic is important because it can show employers that you can complete work efficiently and effectively. Additionally, your work ethic helps you achieve your personal and professional goals due to your determination and sense of responsibility. You can also use your work ethic skills to develop strong relationships in the workplace.
What are some examples of a poor work ethic?
Some examples of an inferior work ethic can include:
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Being late to work
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Creating excuses for your mistakes
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Thinking you don't need to improve or ignoring relevant feedback
How can I ask for feedback on my work ethic?
Asking for feedback from those you work closely with, like colleagues and managers, can help you improve in the workplace. To ask for feedback, speak with your manager or trusted coworker and request a meeting. Tell them the purpose of the meeting is to discuss your work ethic and that you're seeking feedback on where to improve.
In the meeting, you can talk about thoughts and opinions and implement their feedback. Be sure to thank the other person when the talk ends to let them know you appreciate their time and thoughts.
Source: Indeed Career Guide