This is a guest post by William Eve.
Starting a new job can be a daunting and nerve racking prospect for many. Will you fit in? Will you enjoy the job? Will you be able to perform to a good standard?
These are all questions, and concerns we all have when we are about to start a new career. There is no exact blueprint for job success, however there are certain steps you can take in order to give yourself the best chance at succeeding in your new work environment.
Be On Time
I cannot stress how important this is! There is nothing worse than turning up late to your first day at work. First impressions count, and if your new boss sees you rushing through the door half an hour after your official start time you will immediately be on the back foot.
If for any reason at all you think you may be running late, you should phone the office as soon as possible and let them know. This is a practice you should get into whenever your journey to work is delayed.
Take Notes/Be Attentive
When you begin your training period be sure to be prepared. Even if they supply you with a pen and a pad it is good to assume they will not, and bring your own. This shows initiative.
Make sure that you take notes, and listen carefully to any instructions you are given. The main tip here is to ask questions. Many people are afraid to ask questions in case they sound silly, but the truth is most bosses would rather have somebody who asks questions and gets things right, rather than someone to doesn’t ask and gets things wrong.
If you’re not sure ask!
Take Your Time
It is very admirable to want to succeed, and to progress within your new company but do not expect to be running the company within your first few weeks. Make sure that you take everything in, and that you master things a little bit at a time.
Taking your time should also come into play with how you behave in the workplace. Your first day is not the time to be wolf whistling female members of staff, or nicknaming the boss “Bertie big potato”. Be respectful, be polite, and don’t be afraid to learn the ropes gradually.
Hard Work
Working hard really should be something that we all do automatically at work, however some of us have our off days. In the early days of your new job you should work as hard as possible. Turn up to work early, and stay late! Ask if there is anything else you can do, or other things you can learn if you have a quiet moment.
All bosses want to know they have committed, and hard working staff, and it is always better to be asking questions, or doing extra work during quiet times, rather than reading the paper.
Observe
This is the time to really observe what is going on around you, and to learn how the business really works. You are just one component within the company and it makes sense to understand how the whole of the business works so you can see where you fit in.
This will also give you a better idea of future prospects, and positions you may want to target in the future.
Stay Out of Office Politics
When you start a new job it is natural to want to make friends quickly. However getting involved in office factions, or office gossip is the quickest way to come unstuck. If you talk to someone who appears to be a trouble maker or a gossip, be polite but try to avoid passing comment or judgement. It will most likely get round and find it’s way to the boss!
Respect Authority
Your bosses have got to where they are for a reason. They also have the power to hire and fire, so it is best not to pick a fight with them. There are some people who have a real problem coping with authority, or being told what to do. This is a problem you have to deal with as it will be the key to your success or failure.
Although starting a new job can be a stressful time, paying attention, keeping your head down, working hard, and taking everything in will give you the greatest chance of job success and satisfaction.
This article was written by William Eve. William writes about saving money, investment loans and real estate for Home Loan Finder. If your a first home buyer or looking to refinance, visit the Home Loan Finder website for great advice and competitive mortgage products.
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It is amazing how far the basics can get you. Showing up and having a good attitude can put you ahead of most people. Taking seriously that you are being paid and doing your best to make others work lives easier is a great step to building success.
@John – Couldn’t of said it better myself. It’s a little sad to think that just doing your job sometimes, puts you ahead of most.
Thanks For sharing these steps…… I think We have to understand the Laws of Wealth Creation and that there’s different advice or strategies based on who you ask and what their personalities and strengths are. The critical principles of “who they are” is key. When you know who you are and you operate in an area creating wealth based on this you start to be in flow.
The basics of getting and keeping a job are so important, especially now with the way the market is. Another basic tenet of success is choosing a bank that handles your money in a responsible way. And we all know the mega-banks haven’t been behaving responsibly. Thanks for the great tips. They are right on target!
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