Getting the job is one thing. Doing awesome at that jobs is a whole other ball game. We asked everyone we spoke with for our accounting feature, about the best practices for employees while on the job. While most of these tips are related to accounting, we're pretty sure they apply across all streams and career paths.

1. Enthusiasm

Not 'rah-rah-go-team-go' but more of a general sense of enthusiasm. This is critical. Especially when you are starting out, particularly in accounting. The learning curve is steep, and the only way to get over that learning curve is to be really enthusiastic about the opportunity to learn something new.

2. Be Quick, Be Bright, Be Knowledgeable

"And be' organizationally intelligent,'" says J.D. Clarke, Senior Vice-President of Operations at CGA Ontario. And he's not talking file naming. There are less clear lines in organizations, so you need to understand how you get things done in the company, know the important people and where to go for what you need.

3. The Most Important Skill…

…is the ability to make a mistake. At school you were given marks for correct answers and lost marks for incorrect answers. Not so in the working world, where people make mistakes all the time. Think of it as a learning opportunity. Learn from that mistake, talk about why it happened, and make sure it doesn't happen again. "A lot of people that come and work for us are strong personalities, really wanting to move ahead, and they see anything like that as a setback," says Will Christensen of Deloitte, "and it's not. Everyone has gone through it."

4. Speak Up

Yes, it's a new job, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't speak up during meetings. You should be able to have a conversation about a project with a partner or senior manager. Don't be afraid, they hired you for a reason! Make sure that when you do speak, it's on point and relevant to the discussion. Don't talk for the sake of talking. It's really annoying.

5. "Don't believe that your job description is your job."

That's what John Sogawa of CMA told us. Many companies are facing a shortage of talent, so volunteer to help with other initiatives and projects. You'll look great, gain new skills, and be an active, contributing member of the company. Just be careful about overextending yourself. You'll be of no use if you burn out."

6. Soft Skills

You have two ears and one mouth, so listen twice as much as you talk. Listening will also give you the ability to see synergies on your team, and help bring out the best in everyone. Then once you get those communication skills humming on all cylinders, you're on the fast track to becoming a leader.

7. Persistence is Key

If there's something you want, and I mean really want, you should go for it. Don't give up just because others say you can't do it. If it's your dream, chase it. If it's your goal, never lose sight of it.