AOL's jobs section put together a list of 10 things to avoid at work, particularly in today's high unemployment environment, that can get you fired:
- Don't get conveniently sick. -- It won't look good if you repeatedly call in sick on Mondays or take off on vacation during the busiest time of the year.
- Don't lie on your job application.
- Don't be disgusting. -- Make sure your hygiene is good; body odor will make no-one want to be near you.
- Don't stay anonymous. -- Make sure your boss knows about your accomplishments, that you speak up at meetings, that the higher-ups know who you are, etc. Just doing good work and putting in lots of hours isn't enough.
- Don't refuse to compromise. -- Be forceful in promoting your ideas, but don't insist on always doing things your way.
- Don't be ungrateful. -- Whining about what you think you deserve or complaining to your boss that the work is beneath you won't help you.
- Respect the chain of command. -- Don't go over your boss' head except in the most extreme of circumstances.
- Don't spend time with the complainers, non-performers and gossips. -- Even if you're not one of them, being associated with these people will reflect badly on you.
- Don't refuse to take responsibility when things go wrong.
- Don't take credit for other people's work.
