Careers: Making your first job work for you
So, you survived the job hunting and have landed yourself a job. Now what?
Starting a new job, especially your first, can be a nerve-racking time. Will you be up to the challenge? Will you like your colleagues? Will they like you?
Heather Hogarth’s Your First Job getting it, keeping it, going further offers practical tips on everything from applying for jobs to starting them and starting a successful career. She lists experiences by other first time job hunters like carpenter Stuart Gilmour who advises people to work hard to get a good name first off, as first impressions mean a lot. If you get off on a good note with workmates and clients, it will be very beneficial to you in the long run.
Marketing assistant Melissa Edwards warns people not to let things get on top of you. I felt like giving up many times, but knew I had to keep going. I learnt not to take comments personally. You have to believe in yourself and strive to do better. Then, you will feel confident about yourself.
Business manager Brad Rodgers says he found the transition from college to work challenging. When you start full-time work, you get terribly tired at the end of the day. It’s very different from your college after-life You need to adapt your lifestyle to meet the demands of your job. And, you need to earn the respect of your colleagues.
Getting the job maybe a challenge, but the hard work is far from over once you have signed the contract. Most companies will have a trial period during which you will have the chance to check out if this job is for you but, more importantly, your employer and colleagues have the chance to find out whether you are right for the job.
Here are some tips to make sure you will be keeping the job and get noticed;
- Be on time in the mornings and after breaks.
- Don’t be a clock-watcher. Make sure your work is finished before heading out the door.
- Be well presented, show good manners and keep your workplace clean and tidy.
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions you’re new to the job so it’s only natural you may need assistance or information.
- Admit your mistakes and learn from them.
- Have confidence in your own abilities and strive to improve yourself at every opportunity.
- Be loyal to your employer and make sure you represent the business or organisation to the best of your ability.
- Look like you are enjoying your job and take an interest in your colleagues.
Workplaces have their own culture the way things are done. It will take a little time to tune in to that, but there are some universal rules:
- Observe common courtesies address supervisors with respect and wait until you are asked before addressing people by their first name, greet people when you enter a room and say goodbye when leaving, stand when you are introduced to somebody in senior management.
- Respect privacy don’t look through somebody’s desk and avoid listening in on people’s conversations.
- Watch your language.
Also, remember, it takes some time to get settled in a job so don’t give up too soon if you think things aren’t working out. The first few weeks might be awkward because you are feeling out of your depth but give yourself some time to settle in. Talk to your boss, your family and your friends if you are concerned about certain aspects of the job. It may be something that can be solved easily.
If, however, you find that the job just isn’t for you it may be time to look for something else. It is easier to find a job when you are employed so start looking but maybe wait to hand in your resignation until you have a new job or a plan on what you want to do next.
Sometimes, it may be good to get some help trying to determine where you would like your life and career to take you. Check out the information on goal setting and life coaching for help to reach your career ambitions.
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