Set your alarm, sign off that MySpace page and don that tie. Poor choices like arriving at work late, participating in office gossip or dressing poorly can lead to trouble at work, even the loss of your job. 210SA has the skinny on the common mistakes that will get an employee fired.
 

DON'T BE TARDY: Just be there on time, no excuses. Your boss may let lateness slide if it's a rare occurrence, but not every day. If a situation arises and you will be delayed, call the office ahead of time and alert someone, said Jennifer Varelans, San Antonio branch manager of Absolut Group Staffing.

DON'T BE TOO CHATTY: Communicating with Facebook friends makes you look like you don't care about your career. “If you run out of work to do, ask for more,” Varelans said. “That's going to reflect on you. It shows you're interested in the job.” Varelans said if you're addicted to instant messages, wait until your lunch break.

DON'T BE SELFISH: Collaborate, listen to your co-workers, chime in with your opinion and put in your fair share of effort. Don't pass the buck then try and take all the credit.

DON'T BE MEAN: Sure, you may think you're as clever as Perez Hilton, but you never know where any catty chatting can end up. If you're caught in a web of bad gossip, apologize immediately and say it will never happen again, Varelans said.

DON'T DRESS POORLY: Yes, that mini skirt may make your legs look luscious, but it won't reflect well on your company's image. Some places may have more lax dress codes, but you need to ask what is appropriate and what isn't.

DON'T FIB: If you goofed on a project, fess up. Then try and be a part of the solution. If you try and cover up any mistakes, you'll just lose your bosses' trust. Especially if you are a new employee, you are going to be watched and critiqued, Varelans said.

“(Employees) need to be open for criticism and welcome it,” Varelans said. “Don't take it personally.”

Emily Messer | 210SA