8 Common Habits That Make You Look Unprofessional

Date Posted: 11/6/2017

One of the most important aspects of work life is looking and behaving in a professional manner. Syempre, sa corporate world, hindi ka pwede gumalaw na parang nasa bahay lang. You may be unaware of some universal mistakes you are making, which tend to have the opposite effect. These are some common habits that many people share, all of which contribute to an overall unprofessional impression:

 1.  Checking your mobile phone all the time
Most companies have a policy of no phones in the office for a reason. Texting, or constantly checking websites like Facebook, Instagram or Twitter is a bad habit that distracts you from your work and is not going to impress your boss.  Kasama na din dito ang mga pa-selfie or video chatting during work hours, super no-no!

2.  Nervous habits
Biting your nails, shaking your legs, tapping your fingers or continuously playing with your hair are all nervous habits that come across as very unprofessional.  Maaaring hindi tayo aware minsan but these actions can really annoy your co-workers. Try buying a stress ball to keep at your desk if you find yourself fidgeting.

3.  Repeating “um” or “like” (especially on the phone)
Try not to say these words a lot when you’re talking to people at work or even worse – customers. Saying these words too much lends the impression that you do not know what you are doing or talking about. Nakakabawas ng confidence level. Striving to omit these words will immediately help you appear more confident and in control.

4.  Inappropriate timing
Laughing during a very serious moment, or talking loudly when everyone is supposed to be quiet, are two examples of inappropriate timing. Dagdag mo na din na nakakahiyang moment talaga ito lalo na kung madaming tao. Indulging in this kind of behavior can make you stand out, and not in a good way. It will make you look inconsiderate and unprofessional.

 5.  Discussing personal problems at work
Minsan hindi mo maiwasan ang maglabas ng sama ng loob or magkuwento tungkol sa personal na buhay. Talking about problems in your personal life is a very unprofessional habit; talking about things like relationship issues, such as problems with your spouse, parents or children, should not be a topic of discussion in the workplace. It is better and more professional to keep your personal life and work life separate.

6.  Complaining too much
Marami sa atin, nagsisimula pa lang ang araw, eh puro reklamo na ang maririnig sa office. Complaining too much will not only make you look unprofessional, but will potentially affect your opportunities at work. Alam mo ba, if you complain too much, you are less likely to be given the chance to work on new projects. Other candidates who do their work without complaint will be more likely to get a promotion.

 7.  Messiness
Having a messy workspace will give people the impression that you are not organized or professional. Keep your workspace neat, tidy and clean at all times. By keeping your desk looking tidy and professional, it reflects well on you and shows that you have organization skills, pride in your work and workspace, and good attention to detail.  Iwan mo na lang sa bahay ang pagiging makalat.

8.  Doing makeup at your desk
Ang pagkikilay o make-up ay may tamang lugar lamang. Putting on makeup at your desk is very unprofessional behaviour. You should do this before work or during your work breaks in the bathroom. Even if you are on a break, you should still not do your makeup at your desk.

Now that you are aware of some common habits that make you look unprofessional, be sure to do your best to avoid them! By steering clear of these mistakes, you can make yourself appear much more professional in the workplace, and in so doing, create better opportunities for yourself.