|
|
| *Ostroff, Fair and Company>>>Other - Careers & Employment |
Suggestions for first day at a new job....? |
First few weeks even... "LTD" and "Abel" speak with the wisdom of years. They have some excellent suggestions, and I second them. Additionally, remember that virtually all medium to large institutions have layers of POLITICS - the more staff, the more politics. Try not to align yourself with any particular "group" or "gang of #" (we had a "gang of ten" in our math department for many years and they were truly obnoxious). Hang back for a while. Be friends with everyone, but avoid getting too chummy with certain, very opinionated people or groups. They may or may not have the right slant on things. Of course, if someone gives you a "heads up" warning about a particular supervisor, manager, or executive, it might be worth listening to. But, don't be judgmental until you have all the facts - or as many cautionary observations that you can verify. Over time, you'll learn who's opinions are accurate and who's are biased and/or compromised. Some key phrases that typically signal caution: 1. "If you want to get ahead in this department/office/company, etc...." 2. "Don't get too close to....." 3. "If I were you, I'd......" 4. "The people with the power in this place are...." 5. "I don't want you to get hurt, so be careful around...." While all of those might be worth listening to, it is more worthwhile to get a good fix on the source of the comment. The person informing you of these critical "facts" might be terribly insecure or just a common gossip...or worse, on their way out. It takes time to learn what is reliable information and what is just plain trash-talk. Be gentle as a dove, but wise as a serpent. I'm not very good at all of this stuff, so I learned over the course of many years of being manipulated manuvered around. Inately, I have no political acumen. I'm too trusting. I don't mean to sound like you should be on guard at all times. But, do take care of yourself first - especially during the first years. Good luck. You'll be fine! start by dating your immediate supervisor. take it one day at a time, listen and learn, watch how other do the job, so you can do it the same, people there that have been there longer have shortcuts that aren't bad but help you get the job done faster, anyways telling us what job it is would have been better..... The 2 most important rules: Ask a lot of questions, and smile constantly. You need to create good allies as soon as possible - friendliness cannot be overstated. Good luck Suggestions for what, hon? How to act? What to do? What to say? Be yourself...smile at everyone..say the names back to people when being introduced (helps you remember their names)... Smell nice...dress nicely (ie: no wrinkles, stains, etc).... Hair nicely coiffed... Keep in mind EVERYONE was "new" at some point... If you don't understand something, ASK...to me, there are no dumb questions...just idiots who DON'T ask them and then do things wrong.... DON'T gossip (or tell too many personal stories), don't put down a former employer or a rival business...makes YOU look petty... Remember that not everyone is going to like you...not everyone wants to be your friend..not everyone is trustworthy... Listen...watch...and learn... 48 years (and counting) on this planet... I came to my current job (..I changed careers at age 47..was just ready for something "new") a year ago while knowing NOTHING about the field I am in (as far as the inner workings of this type of business)...worked hard, kept my mouth shut but a smile on my face...and am now loving my job..and the people around me... And have had no problems... Good luck to you! During the first three months of your new job, your new boss will be getting to know you and taking note of your performance. In today鈥檚 marketplace there is no hesitation to terminate a relationship with a worker who isn鈥檛 living up to expectations. Since most companies have a ninety-day probationary period, this is a crucial time for you as a new employee. GET TO KNOW THE WORK TEAM FIRST During the first three months, keep a low profile and learn the workplace politics and pecking order. Find a secretary who can explain the chain of command. Listen and learn but don鈥檛 get involved in the politics. LEARN THE CORPORATE CULTURE There are lots of rules within a corporate environment, both formal and informal, like forms of address, unofficial dress code, the chain of command, etc. Pay attention to them if you want to fit in and be accepted. Don鈥檛 be embarrassed to ask questions. Ask 鈥渟mart鈥?questions but do not pester your peers with too many of them or you will appear incompetent. WHAT DOES THE BOSS EXPECT OF YOU? Make sure you are doing things the way your boss wants them done. Find out what his expectations are. Don鈥檛 guess; ask what he considers important. If necessary make a list of your job duties. Ask your supervisor for confirmation that you are in the right track. Remember there is an expected learning curve, but at the same time you must be demonstrating that you are achieving your goals. FIND A MENTOR Top executives often have a mentor 鈥?someone who is several levels higher on the corporate chart. Find someone whose judgment you can trust and who can help you grow in the company. Follow these tips and plan for the future the moment you start this job. Employment is a marketplace right now. Gone are those days when loyalty and hardwork translates to job security. Stay but be ready to leave your employer anytime. Everything you do and learn on this job is preparation for the next one. Each job will take you up the ladder of success, and your responsibility and earning potential will increase. Peace and blessings! |
| Tags |
| Credit Corporations Other - Careers & Employment Technology Marketing & Sales Law & Legal Health Care Government & Non-Profit |
Finance Categories--Copyright/IP Policy--Contact Webmaster |