Employers' expectations

In Alberta and elsewhere in Canada, employers expect employees to be:

• On time for work and to meet deadlines. If you must be absent from work, it is important to let your employer know as soon as possible.
   
• Friendly, courteous and respectful to customers, supervisors and co-workers. People from many racial, ethnic and religious backgrounds are expected to work together and treat one another with respect, no matter what position they hold in a company.
   
• Responsible. If you don't know how to do something, ask. If you don't understand instructions, ask more questions. When you need help, ask. When you make a mistake, accept responsibility for your actions.
   
• Co-operative and helpful. Employers prefer to hire and retain people who are enthusiastic about their work and share information with co-workers and supervisors. They look for employees who work well with other people (often called team players) so it is a good idea to help co-workers when they need assistance, if you can.
   
• Efficient and proactive. Employers expect you to do what you say you will do in a timely manner. If you see something that needs to be done, do it without waiting for someone to ask you to do it. If you are not sure, ask.
   
• Flexible and adaptable. The work world is constantly changing. The best way to handle change is to keep learning new skills.
   
• Honest and trustworthy. Employers have to trust employees with their business and know the people they hire are reliable.

For more information, see the publication Job Smart: Tips for staying employed published by Alberta Employment and Immigration. To order your free copy, call the Alberta Career Information Hotline at 780-422-4266 in Edmonton or 1-800-661-3753 toll-free. You can also download or order a copy on-line from the Alberta Learning Information Service (ALIS) Publications catalogue.

Date Updated: Jul 16, 2008
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