Secondary school students today are very fortunate to live in an era where they are constantly reminded about paying attention to small details. 

For example, everyone knows how important a simple "period" or "comma" can be in a computer program or internet address. Forget a minor detail like that and you get nowhere.

Your grandparents and great grandparents didn’t know much about computers, but they too learned how important it was to pay attention to small details - especially when it came to dealing with people.

A machine is not very relevant in the whole scheme of your life. But people are - and the people you are about to meet in your quest for a career position will be paying attention to minor details that you may not realize are important.

Let us show you what is meant by telling you a little story. Joe used to visit a local drug store every Saturday to pick up a copy of the weekend paper. While he was there, he always picked up other merchandise and usually spent at least $30 or $40. One Saturday, when he returned home, he discovered that a section of the paper was missing. The same thing happened the following week. The next Saturday he brought the problem to the attention of the store manager who replied that the kid who puts the sections together was in a hurry and sometimes these things happen. The store manager treated Joe’s concern as a minor inconvenience. Yet it wasn’t minor at all. You see, after that little incident, Joe no longer stopped at that drug store. He went to another store a little bit out of his way, but where the manager and staff took more care about the little details. Not only did the drug store lose Joe’s business with respect to the weekly paper, but Joe no longer purchased any other supplies from that store and his friends were reluctant to support the store as well. The store lost all of that business because they didn’t pay attention to details.

We live in a world where anyone can get a degree or diploma. 

Therefore, when trying to determine who to hire, employers often look for the "little things". 

It could be as simple as a smile; opening the door for a stranger; the clothes you are wearing; or paying a compliment about something in the office.

Be honest & reliable in everything you do

Choose your friends carefully...and be a good friend

Don’t be afraid to take risks

Establish goals and work towards them...step by step!

Free rides don’t exist...be prepared to pay a price

Get it done..and do it right the first time

Have confidence that you can make a difference

Invite constructive criticism...then listen and learn

Just doing enough to get by won’t get it done

Keep from making excuses..accept responsibility

Listen, learn and always work to improve your mind

Mean what you say and say what you mean

Never, ever give up on your dreams

Only one person can control you...and that’s you!

Play is just as important as work - have fun

Quality not quantity is what everyone really wants

Respect yourself...it’s the first step in respecting others

Sometimes...just slow down and smell the roses

Treat others with respect and they’ll respect you
Use your assets wisely and for good causes

Voice your opinions but be aware of the feelings of others

Work as hard and as smart as possible

Xpect obstacles...accept challenges and go for it

You are in charge of your own actions

Zero in on obstacles while you reach for the stars