10 Things New Grads Need to Know Before They Start Their First Job

10 Things New Grads Need to Know Before They Start Their First Job

Starting that first job may seem daunting with so much unknown and to be considered.
First, take a deep breath and look at these pointers, and you will be prepared and ready for that first day, those first steps.

1. Your most important/primary customer is the boss. He or she will explain the job to you and help provide training and monitor your progress as you gain some experience. Never hesitate to ask the boss questions and ‘take up some of his or her time’ so that the job expectations are clear in your mind. You want to be successful, and your boss is invested in your success also.
2. The more you know and learn about the ‘organization’ that you are joining, the better. If it is a business, an association, an educational institution, government employment, or any group, the better prepared you are, the better the initial entry into the work environment.Many organizations have brochures describing their history, policies, procedures, and other information that will be helpful. Of course, the Internet is an excellent source.
3. By being hired as a new employee, do not forget that you are on the job to perform certain tasks that the boss expects done. You are there to ‘work’. As a worker, you are now part of a team, a group, or an organization that has as its goal to complete a task(s). You will rely on your co-workers, and your co-workers will rely on you. The most successful teams/groups complete their tasks by working well together. This is the boss’s goal; this is the team’s goal.
4. Since you are the new person on the scene, be prepared to listen and learn. You are not expected to walk in and be the expert. Those that have the experience and have spent time on the job can/will be very valuable in getting you up to speed. That phrase, “you have two ears, two eyes, and one mouth…use them proportionately” makes sense for the new worker.
5. There is real value in the ‘never eat alone’ idea/goal. Whether it is during breaks, lunch, or even dinner (during work hours) there is tremendous benefit to eat and break with others. Becoming a strong member of the organization entails getting to know others and them getting to know you. These ‘communication opportunities’ should not be underestimated.
6. That first impression on the job is important. If there is a uniform/standardized dress, then the decision is easy, conformance. However, if there are no guidelines or requirements and you need to make

the decision of what to wear/not wear, here is a simple guide; dress like your co-workers and error on the side of dressing closer to what the boss wears. It is far better to overdress than under dress.

7. You will meet a lot of new people on this first job. Do expect diversity in age, background, attitude, work habits, etc. Most co-workers enjoy working with others that display a positive attitude, smile far more than frown, and enjoy their work. You are allowed to have fun on the job, while you are meeting or beating your job performance expectations.
8. Flexibility,responsiveness,adaptability,and‘gettingstuffdone’areall attributes that the boss will recognize, respond to, and reward as he or she relies on you. Being consistent in their application builds trust, another endearing attribute valued by that primary customer.
9. You will make mistakes! You will do something that isn’t expected. You will forget to do something. That is what new workers do. The key is to recognize those errors (don’t hide them), learn from the mistakes, and make sure you are comfortable and able to insure they don’t get repeated. Sometimes this requires more instruction or training or sometimes just practice.

10.Whatever your first job…whatever the assignment…strive to be the very best you can be at that assignment. Knowing what the your key job objectives/responsibilities are and then striving to exceed those expectations, and doing so always on time (or earlier) will help you deliver your best!

Summary
Getting a good/solid start on that first job requires pre-work, planning and consistent execution. These “10 Things” will help you be successful!
Russell  Bunio

May, 2016