Graduation to First Job: Making the Switch

For most of us, graduating from a student to a working professional is the greatest transition in life. It means leaving behind those carefree days and arriving in a different world that makes you responsible, independent and more in control of your actions. Though the first job is casually taken by many but in real time it is also a stepping stone towards acquiring the right attitude that will dictate your professionalism for the rest of the life. In this article you will find important tips for making a lasting first impression that will make you the cynosure of all eyes in the office; be it your peers, supervisors or the boss.

There are certain things that need to be kept in mind especially for your first job:

Be Punctual

Punctuality is a virtue that is highly demanded and valued by seniors. You need to arrive as well as leave at the proper time and avoid extending your lunch break. It shows that you take the job seriously and are also good with time management. This even goes for completing tasks by the deadlines, which should be taken with much seriousness.

Be a Fast Learner

You must have stated it emphatically in the interview that as a fresher you are very keen to learn. Now, is the time to prove this. Listen, observe, ask questions, discuss, and make notes- do everything to make sure that you understand the system well. You can even attach yourself to mentor who can guide you perfectly and let you learn from his/her mistakes.

The Dressing Matters-A Lot!

The dressing styles may vary from profile to profile, but there should always be a level of decency in your attire as this speaks volumes about your personality. While those at a higher post need to be more conservative, you can easily know what to wear by watching your peers and supervisors.

Mind your Ps and Qs

You may become familiar with the official environment after some time but that does not mean that you can behave just the way you did in college. Every office has a certain set of professional etiquettes like:

• Having telephonic conversations politely
• Saying 'Thank You' and 'Sorry', wherever necessary
• Not roaming in the office without purpose
• Knocking and asking for permission before entering
• Following etiquettes in meetings

Office Gossip: Deal With This Unavoidable Problem

As interesting as it may sound, gossiping in the office is a complete no-no. But how does one manage this? The best way is to participate as a listener and not contribute anything as it could be misconstrued in any manner.

Becoming an ideal employee in your first job is not a very tough nut to crack, especially if you pay close attention to the prevailing corporate culture and blend yourself properly. While agreeing with your seniors is okay, you should avoid becoming a flatterer with a herd mentality. Stand out for the right reasons and surely you will be looking ahead to an illustrious career in any field that you choose.