Attributes That Are Essential For Raises!

Most of us that are interested in personal finance strive hard to increase our net worth. We do this through finding the highest rate savings accounts, using credit cards that pay us back, creative budgeting and controlling our spending. Sometimes I think, that while all of this is important, our jobs might be the most critical part of this. An easy way to increase your net worth is to simply increase your salary. Easier said than done right?

I have worked at my CPA firm for about 6 years now. I have been active in recruiting and managing new employees for about 3 years now. I have learned a lot over the past 3 years, and still have a long way to go, but as my firm's recruiting season is coming up, I wanted to share some attributes that people have that I feel can get them hired, promoted and get them salary increases faster: (Keep in mind that I need to work on these areas personally also).

So here are attributes I think an employee should possess:

1) Be accountable - Be that person that I know I can ask you one time to do something, and it will get done.
2) Be resourceful - A lot of times, I will give out a work assignment where the final answer isn't clear. I like it when employees can think beyond the parameters of the assignment to make the project happen.
3) Be professional and conscious of your work - Essentially, make me believe that you care about your work getting done right.
4) Know your allies - I am your manager. I have a vested interest in your success. If you don't succeed, I don't succeed. So when I give you advice or criticize your work, please recognize that I am only trying to help you be better so I can help myself. Sounds funny huh? Funny but true.
5) Be a team player - This is really important in the first few years. Develop relationships with co-workers, clients, etc. Stay late to finish the job, prove yourself early on. It will earn you respect later on.
6) Don't be a constant complainer - Key word is constant. I don't mind complaints, but when the same person can find ways to complain about every little thing, it gets old.
7) Be smart in your field. This used to me at the top of my list, but no longer. I think I would take a 3.0 GPA student that was a pro at my first 6 items, than a 4.0 GPA student that couldn't pull off the first 6 items. I can teach you accounting, but I can't teach you my first 6 items.

I could go on and on about this, but these 7 items are what I feel most strongly about. (Trust me when I say that some of this is written out of frustration).

Good luck everyone!