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Thursday, June 18, 2009
New to the Job? Eight Tips for Success
By Hope Holand
FOXBusiness
Scoring a new job or internship can be an overwhelming experience. Here's some helpful advice to keep you in the right
frame of mind.
1. Apply to the right places.
Don’t apply to anything and everything you can get your hands on.
“The most important thing is for that person, before they even step foot in the place, to ask themselves, why they took that
job,” Danny Meyer, CEO of Union Square Hospitality Group, told FOX News’ lifestyle Web magazine iMag.
Alexandra Levit, the author of They Don't Teach Corporate in College, says that before you get a job, take time to
do a self-assessment of your values -- how you like to work, and what you’d be compelled to do even if you never got paid.
“Research careers and industries that map to your skills and interests,” Levit said. “Hit the Internet, set up informational
interviews, take relevant coursework, and arrange to go onsite at organizations that sound interesting to you. Once you’re
on site, network like crazy so that you can actually develop individual relationships within the company -- this is a lot
more effective than sending a resume blind to HR.”
2. Do your homework.
Starting a new job can be an intimidating and nerve-racking experience for early professionals, but some important advice
is to remember to be prepared. Every first day requires routine procedures, so remember to bring in the proper documentation
for receiving identification, and don’t be blind walking into the office on the first day.
“Pay close attention to the organizational culture of which you’ve now become a part of,” Levit said.
Educate yourself on the company and its employees. Do some research and become knowledgeable about your surroundings.
3. Make a good impression.
Be on time, because making a good impression can make or break you. Dress like a professional everyday -- it’s better
to be overdressed than underdressed, and act like you want to be there.
“Think of yourself as a publicist with the task of promoting you,” Levit said. “Learn to capitalize on your skills, succinctly
assert your achievements, and project a corporate persona -- or your most mature, professional and competent face.”
4. Do your job well.
From the first day on, work hard. Do what you know how to do by applying your skills in the right areas, but absorb new information
and lessons along the way.
If moving up in the working world is something you hope to do, prove you can work as well as those who have been there longer.
Put in extra hours to show dedication and offer to help with various projects, clients or assignments. Learn as much as you
can, because the more practice you get, the better off you can be.
5. Get to know your coworkers.
Introduce yourself to coworkers. Spending a long period of time at the workplace will be much better after becoming well-acquainted
with people there. Learn everybody’s names and titles, and find out the best way to contact them in order to make it easy
to have questions answered.
In an interview on entry-level advice, Winnie Beattie, President and Founder of Siren PR, told FOX News’ iMag she would encourage
the entry-level workers to not be afraid to schedule some face time with the person in charge, making sure the boss knows
what aspect of a special project they were responsible for.
Also, build your relationships. After a while in the office, forming friendships and building bridges will become easier,
and in the long run it can benefit your future.
“Don’t expect your boss and co-workers to figure out what you’re all about,” Levit said. “Determine their priorities, find
out what they want from you and brainstorm ways to surpass their expectations. Always keep in mind that other people don't
care what you want -- they want to know what’s in it for them. By approaching negotiations with an attitude that allows both
parties to win, you’ll be more effective at developing strong relationships and getting the job done.”
6. Make good use of work time.
Be self sufficient and constantly work to better your current projects. Try to solve problems, and come up with new ideas
for the company.
“You might not know exactly what you want to do with your life, but transferable skills will serve you well no matter what
future path you decide to pursue,” Levit said. “Make your time count now by working with your boss to set specific, reasonable
and attainable goals for your present position that will help you advance to the next level.”
7. Ask for help.
It is expected that a new employee won’t know everything about the office, so don’t be afraid to ask for help from coworkers.
“In your twenties, you aren’t expected to know everything, and asking intelligent questions will showcase your enthusiasm,
drive, and desire to learn,” Levit said.
Also, learn from your mistakes.
“It’s extremely important to ask how much more you can do,” said Melissa Shaban, CEO of Chrysallis, Inc. “Be curious about
your work and it will reward you.”
8. Show some enthusiasm.
Lastly, be proud to have a job and show some enthusiasm at work. Smile, be happy and friendly making the office a positive
atmosphere and an easy place to work.
“Attitude is key,” Beattie said. “People who are enthusiastic and who go above and beyond and do smaller things without complaining,
I think tend to kind of propel further.”
To watch videos and interviews about more career advice and stories, visit the career section on FOX News’ iMag at http://www.fncimag.com/imag/Career.
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