No matter what job or position an employer is looking to fill or what company they are working for they have some standard things they look for in a new employee. As we all know there are many different cultures in the United States and each has its own unique rules and standards of behavior that are well understood by the members of that group. But were you aware that there is a unique business culture that needs to be followed by employees if they are to be successful. These are the unwritten rules and expectations about relating, behaving and sharing an office together that are expected of everyone who works in any industry. Understanding the American business culture is essential to your career success.

For example, if a person showed up the first day as a laborer for a construction company, wearing a suit and tie, the boss would question what they are doing there and might even question their ability to do the job. And if a lawyer came to court wearing shorts and tennis shoes, the judge would probably show her the way out. Though it can be difficult to find out all the particulars of a company’s unique style prior to being employed with them, there are some practices that are common standards in the American business culture.

A good firm handshake. (no limp fish, please) A good firm handshake shows that you have confidence in yourself and your abilities. Since first impressions are so important, many of your employer’s later impressions will hinge on the success of this first meeting. A solid handshake and a pleasant greeting will start things off on the right note.

Good eye contact. In the American culture, eye contact is very important in personal relationships and says that this person is trustworthy, self-confident and secure. This carries over into the business setting as well. If you are unable to look your boss in the eye, they will wonder what you have to hide. This value is even more important since trustworthiness is another important business value.

Matching the company’s image and attitude. This may be one of the most critical aspects of living up to the company’s culture because if you do not match the image of the company you will most likely not get the job. For example, if everyone working in a particular office wears conservative professional clothing and speaks quietly and you come in wearing a brightly colored sport shirt and loudly greeting everyone you see, they will likely make the judgment that you probably would not fit in there. It is a good idea to visit the office of a company you think you want to work for prior to applying so that you can determine what the culture is like and dress accordingly. This is not to suggest that you should pretend to be something you are not to fit into a company’s culture. If you are an outgoing friendly person who likes noise and activity and the office atmosphere is a quiet subdued atmosphere, you may feel stifled there and it would be difficult for you to happy there for long.

Always learning. Employers are always looking for people who are eager to learn. Being willing to learn and grow with a company is a very important American business value, especially as computers become more and more prevalent in the workplace. If you are not willing to learn and keep up with the latest developments, you will be left behind. Many people who have not put the proper emphasis on this value are finding themselves displaced after years of employment because the company has either decided to go in another direction due to technological changes or the company has gone under. These workers often have a difficult time locating new employment due to outdated skills. And to make matters worse, a prospective employer who is looking for people who like to learn will probably pass them over as well.

Being dependable and/or on-time. The American business culture
places a high premium on this value. More workers lose their jobs due to poor attendance than for any other reason. It is very important to call and let your employer know when you will be late and don’t let it happen too often. If you are considered undependable you will probably not be considered for promotion or other opportunities and may even lose your job if it persists. Part of being dependable is ensuring you have backup plans for childcare and/or transportation if the need arises.

Asking questions. Bosses like employees who ask questions and seek to
understand their expectations, priorities and values. They have little patience with an employee who figures they already know everything they need to know. From demonstrating an interest in the company during the interview to finding out the expectations on the job, there is no better way to be well informed than asking lots of questions. If you have difficulty thinking up questions to ask on the spot, take some time to think about what you need to know and write down the questions you want to ask. Not asking questions makes you appear disinterested and uninvolved.

Having a basic understanding of the American business cultural values will help you overcome some simple common mistakes made by many job applicants and new employees. Following these few simple suggestions will greatly increase your chances for success on the job.