Every year, college students about to graduate find themselves in the same situation: they have to start what is likely their first full-time job. The whole process of entering the workforce can be overwhelming and fraught with pressure, especially when it comes to doing your best and identifying a path to success. As Forbes magazine correctly describes it, accepting your newbie status is an important first step. Clearly, you won’t succeed in doing everything perfectly right from the start, and the tasks you’re given will seem simple.It’s important to convey your enthusiasm for doing more without being demanding, and not to shy away from simple tasks. But aside from that, here are six things you can do to ensure you succeed in your first job to kick-start your career in the best way possible.
Prepare, prepare, prepare
Success starts before you enter your new office for the first time. Research, in particular, is important: learn as much as you can about your new company, your team and the individuals you’ll be working with., Read reporting on the company for the last year and check out your new colleagues on LinkedIn. Start to understand the software tools you’ll be working with, or any other particular skills you might need on the job. Since this is your first job, you obviously can’t master all the skills you need before you start working, but get familiar. Prepare for your first day – accept that there will be a lot you don’t know and will need to learn – stay calm and adopt a learning mindset to absorb new information and begin building relationships with the new individuals you encounter. Figure out how to get to your workplace beforehand, maybe even do a test run to make sure you’re on time on your first day at work.
Convey motivation and positivity
Actively exhibit a positive, motivated attitude from the very beginning. People far prefer to work with positive and optimistic people – they’ll want to help you settle into the new company and job more quickly. Be confident about your skills, and don’t hesitate to ask questions when necessary. Frame questions intelligently – listen closely and do your research to understand what you can on your own so you can ask less obvious questions. Focus on adopting a learning attitude by asking questions, taking notes, not being afraid of mistakes, and owning your mistakes when you make them.
Establishing a strong work ethic includes taking every opportunity to learn or develop your skills, even if it requires extra time and effort. Don’t be afraid to speak your mind, even though you may not have the experience of your colleagues. If you don’t feel you can contribute directly to a discussion, ask intelligent questions. You have your own perspective, and it’s important to be engaged and involved from the beginning. Even if you’re quiet or reserved, force yourself to engage with your colleagues – invest the time in getting to know them and letting them get to know you.
Build real professional relationships
Networking means building real relationships, not just adding people to your LinkedIn network. The first professional relationships you build are in your workplace and relationships are built meeting people in real life, not on Zoom. It’s very important you introduce yourself to your colleagues in person as much as possible, and spend as much time in the office as possible, as this will help you get off to a good start. Actively look for mentors for yourself -, mentorship is very important for your success. A mentor has knowledge and experience they can pass on to speed your learning, and invest in you as you develop in your role.If you’re struggling with how to communicate with co-workers or build mentoring relationships, it’s worth seeking coaching to help develop your skills.
Network outside the office with others in your industry. It’s never too early to start doing this through people you already know and others you meet through your work. Check out ideamix’s article It’s Never Too Early for LinkedIn to ensure you get set up right to identify the right people to seek out to build relationships with and grow your network.
Stand out for your work and your work ethic
You’re often one of many when you enter a new company. You’re one among many who are all trying to do their best. To be successful from the start, you have to get noticed. Everything we’ve talked about above can help you stand out. It’s important to make sure you don’t stand out in a bad way: be consistently on time, dress according to the dress code and remember that first impressions count for a lot. Take every opportunity and go the extra mile to stand out from the crowd. Become known for the quality of your work and your work ethic.
Act and move consistently forward
Starting your career can be scary, but it’s important to stay calm and just keep going. Don’t stress too much, because everyone has been in this exact situation before, and most people will help you overcome your initial difficulties. But if you’re still unsure, don’t know where to start, or feel overwhelmed, book an introductory session with an ideamix coach. Coaching can help you integrate these tips into your own life, overcome your first difficulties, and stand out even more.
Create boundaries but recognize your context
Boundaries are hard to set in your first job. You’re subject to the team, company and industry context you work in and the context drives your work expectations and hours. In any job, you should go above and beyond – your teammates and company are looking for the individuals that demonstrate the ability to go the extra mile. That said, only you understand your needs and setting basic boundaries so you can care for yourself and have the resilience to go the extra mile is important. While you might not be able to achieve balance on a daily basis, map out a plan to achieve it on a weekly basis. Find an interest or hobby outside work that provides you with structured relaxation. A healthy mindset and a balanced body are essential to your wellbeing, and to setting yourself up to succeed in your first job.
