How will an employer describe you?  If an employer describes you using any of these words, you are 
on your way to becoming a successful worker!
1.  Professional.  Looks the part for your job.  Wears correct clothing to fit into the work environment.  
Listens when others speak.  Gives others attention so that they give you the attention you deserve.
2.  Courteous (or Polite).   Shows respect to others.  Does not embarrass anyone.  Says "please" and "thank 
you."  Learns how to act correctly in situations such as business lunches.  Is sensitive to the needs of 
others.  Knows that there is a right time and a wrong time to do or say something.  
3.  Dependable.  Gets to work on time.  Gets to meetings on time.  Is on time for appointments with 
customers.  Is where you are suppose to be when you are to be there. 
4.  Team Player.   Successfully works with your coworkers, supervisor, and manager to get the job done 
and keep customers happy so that they return to spend more money .  Helps the company succeed.   
5.  Honest.  Does not steal anything from the company.  Does not lie.  Does not exaggerate or stretch the 
truth.  Doe not pretend to know everything.  Has strength to say , "I don’t know.  I will find out."
6.  Responsible.  Performs the job to the best of your ability.  Does not ask others to do what you should 
do.  Asks for help, but does not expect the helper to do your job.  Starts what needs starting; and finishes 
what needs finishing.
7.  Knowledgeable.  Learns skills, equipment, and computer programs necessary for the job.  Knows how 
to explain products to  customers.  Makes good decisions.  Understands when timing is good to go; and 
when it is best to wait.  For example, if supervisor's mood is not good, do not ask for a raise that day .
8.  Trustworthy (or Loyal).  Speaks well of company and its products.  Speaks well of others.  Keeps 
a positive attitude.  Keeps secrets secret.  Does not gossip.  By doing these things, others will feel 
comfortable that you are not talking about them behind their back.   
9.  Valuable.  Makes the company better because of your presence.  
Improves your value by improving your skills and attitude.  Enjoys 
learning.  Makes company think: What would we do without you?
QUICK CHECK:
1.  From the words in bold print (above),  list one word that you would use to describe a successful:  
  a) firefighter.  b) computer technician.  c) truck driver.  d) paramedic.  e) nurse.  f) teacher.  g) mechanic.
  h) interior designer.  i) veterinary technician.  j) hair stylist.  k) police officer.  l) pilot.  m) designer.
2.  Give one example of what you can do in the classroom to make the teacher use following words to 
  describe you as a student:  a) courteous.  b) dependable.  c) responsible.  
3.  Read "Knowledgeable"  a) List 3 to learn for the job.  b) Give an example of what is meant by 
  "understands when timing is good to go; and when it is best to wait."
4.  Read "Trustworthy or Loyal."  a) When you do not gossip, what will other feel?  b) Do you agree with 
this or not?  c) Give a reason for your answer.
5.  Read "Valuable"  What should you make the company think?
6.  a) Pretend that you are a manager.  From the list of 9 words, select the 3 most important words you will 
want to use to describe every worker you hire.  b) Give reasons why you selected these 3 words.	
Words Used to Describe Successful Workers
U.S. Work World
CAREER mini-lesson
College & Career Publishing. Permission to use with usworkworld.com subscription.