Interviews and Beyond

Interviews and Beyond

Stepping into the World of Work

Having survived the challenges of university life, you suddenly find yourself facing a whole new set of challenges – how to make a good start of your first graduate job. If you are lucky, your employer may run an orientation program and organise some inhouse training and seminars to help you come up to speed quickly. You may even be assigned a “mentor” or “buddy” to help you on your way. Smaller organisations may not have such structured training; they train you as you go through the various aspects of your work.

In either case, the most important thing you need to need to know as a new employee is:

• Realise you have a lot to learn and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
• Everyone makes mistakes – be honest about your mistakes, accept responsibility for your mistakes and learn from the experience.

Following are a few helpful tips that should help you get started on the right foot:

Show commitment. In the early stages of your job, put in extra time at work when required and without being asked to. This will give you a bit of breathing space and allow you to correct initial errors which are bound to occur.

Limit personal phone calls, e-mails and visits from family and friends. Tell your friends not to call you at work until you know what is acceptable.

Always dress appropriately. Remember it is better to be slightly overdressed than to be dressed inappropriately. If your office has “casual days” wear something neat and tidy.

Form effective relationships at work. Make friends with your colleagues – learn where everything is and how things are done. Ask for assistance when you need it and remember to thank them when they have been helpful. Compliments go a long way!

Learn to manage your time. Make a weekly ‘to-do’ list of your projects and tasks and prioritise your work. Deadlines have to be met, but this doesn’t mean you have to meet them by yourself. Keep your supervisor or manager informed if you are running behind time or need extra help. They appreciate being kept up to date and generally do not like nasty surprises!

Do complete any weekly/monthly reports as required. Statistical details can be tedious but are necessary. Managers dislike having to follow up on routine documentation, so… ‘just do it’!

Learn proper meeting behaviour. Observe others and listen carefully before speaking up. Do contribute to meetings but refrain from giving definite opinions on unfamiliar topics. Base your comments on fact rather than emotion.

Don’t rely on your manager for all your professional development. Read professional journals, attend networking events, join relevant associations, offer to contribute to special projects. Seek on-going feedback from your manager and from your colleagues. You will soon impress with your enthusiasm and positive attitude.