When you will get your first real Job after graduation, you will probably be excited and over elated. But your challenge is just about to begin, because getting that first job is one thing, and thriving at it is quite another. Even if your first job isn’t necessarily your dream job, don’t dismiss it as a waste of time. Think instead about the new experiences you’re gaining—running meetings, putting together presentations and dealing with clients. These early career jobs and roles will build your skills, and only later in the career development make sense as to their value.
To make your first job a stepping stone and not a dead end,
try to avoid these first-job traps:
Engaging In
Gossip: It's practically impossible to avoid office gossip,
but you don't have to take part in it. Listen to the office gossip if you must.
Just be sure you don't generate any of it. Being labelled an office gossip will
destroy your abilities to earn the trust of your new colleagues. Gossiping by
the water cooler when you should be working will hardly make a good impression
on your boss.
Being a
Know-It-All: Nobody likes a know-it-all. You've probably learned
things in college that people who graduated just a few years ago didn't
learn. No one ever appreciates the
overeager new employee who thinks he or she can solve all the department’s
problems before even really understanding how things work. You’ll have plenty
of time to start making more meaningful contributions.
Getting
Involved in Office Politics: When you’re new to an office, it can be
easy to trust your co-workers when they start complaining, talking about
others, or throwing out office conspiracy theories. In practically every
organization, there are certain people who don't get along with each other.
When the office politicking or complaining starts, it’s okay to smile, nod—and
not get involved.
Not Asking
for Help: No one will expect you to know everything. In fact, if
you’re unclear on something, ask questions now instead of guessing and making a
mistake. It’s perfectly okay to admit
when you need help or clarification. Being curious is going to demonstrate
engagement and show a commitment to learning and wanting to do the job well. Don’t
be afraid to reach out. You might find a great mentor or friend in the process.
Not
Communicating Enough: You will need to keep your boss actively in
the loop about what you’re working on and the progress you’re making. In these
regular updates, be sure to communicate anything important that comes up—which
should include bad news. The last thing you want is for your boss to be in a
meeting and hear about something for the first time, leaving her/him
unprepared. Most bosses don’t like surprises.
Not Appreciating
the Opportunity: Chances are really high that your first
professional job is not going to be exactly what you had in mind. Many times it’s dealing with irate customers,
performing routine data entry, delivering bad news. But it’s an opportunity,
customer relationship skills are always highly desirable, and learning new
things quickly is an advantage.
Being
Impatient: If you tell your boss a list of things that ought to be
changed at work two days into your new job, you probably won't be praised for
your initiative. Instead, you'll be seen as naive and leave people wondering as
to how you can propose significant changes when you've worked been with the
organization for such a short time. Systems and cultures don't change quickly.
Take the first few weeks to ask a lot of questions and be curious.
Isolation:
When you're the new person, it can be difficult to get to know your new
colleagues. If you hear a few people are going to lunch, politely ask if you
can join them. Your new colleagues will see you're making a conscious effort to
connect with them, and they'll respond positively. Look for opportunities to
get to know your new workplace.
Avoiding
Workplace Social Activities: Starting your first job is an exciting
time. Building relationships with your colleagues at company social events is
the right approach. Spending a little outside-of-work time with them helps you
all bond and work together even more effectively.
Copping a
negative attitude: Whether you’re bored, disappointed in your choice
or just see your first job as a temporary means to an end, it’s important to
come to work every day with a positive mind-set. Focus on what you can do to
perform well and use this as an opportunity to learn more and attain new
skills.
Making a
Bad First Impression: People will form opinions of you early on. Be
very mindful of how you act when you meet people for the first time. Your work
wardrobe says who you are before you say a word, so have it speak positively.
When in doubt, be conservative. Make a
special effort to remember people's names and something about them. Don't take
two-hour lunch breaks, even if you don't have much work to do yet.
Being late:
Showing up late to work, late to meetings, late to conference calls or getting
back to someone later than you stated is never good, especially when you’re
just starting out. Being late sends a message you don’t care or you are not
organized. Show up five minutes early, get settled, and show your colleagues
you are engaged, eager and organized.
Not polishing-up
your language: A sure way to show you’re new to the working world is
through unprofessional language. Take the time to think about how you are
coming across in conversations at the office. Your great idea may lose
credibility if it’s presented with too many texting terms and slang.
It can be difficult in your first job but you can make
sustainable changes with a whole new approach to achieve your Dreams. The key
to success is in being able to escape the Job Trap.
