You Got the Job, Now Don’t Get Fired!

05/26/2010

You took our advice throughout the interview process and landed your first job! Congratulations!

Now that you have the job it is important to make it through the probation period. Even if your new job does not have an official probation period, your employer will be evaluating you closely in your first few months on the job and too many mistakes could cost you. But don’t fear! Follow the steps below and you will be on your way to wowing your first boss!

• Be on time. Better yet, be early. You don’t have to be the first one to arrive, but showing up late or exactly at 9am (or whenever your start time is) gives the impression that you are there to do the bare minimum to get by—and that is not the impression you want to give.

• Dress appropriately. Make sure you are not only following the dress code, but also dressing just a step above the minimum to show that you take this job seriously. If you have any question as to whether an outfit is appropriate or not—wear something else.
   
• Use the internet wisely. If you have access to the internet at your job, do not send personal emails, waste time on Facebook and Twitter, or chat on Gmail. Your time at work is to work and your boss will not look kindly on paying you to update your Facebook status.
   
• Be professional on the phone. If your new job requires you to answer the phone, don’t answer with a casual “Hello,” instead use a standard greeting like “Thank you for calling Company X, my name is Susan. How may I help you?” Your boss likely has an expectation for phone etiquette—so be sure to ask! Also, don’t make or receive personal calls or answer your cell phone while on the job, that is not what you are being paid for. Instead wait until lunch time or a break and take your personal calls outside.
   
• Fit in…with the right crowd. It is very important to get your work done but don’t ignore the importance of fitting in with the company culture and following the example of those who are well-respected in the organization. Be likeable and get to know your new coworkers. Informal networks are often a great way to stay involved and will help you at your current job and in future opportunities.

Don’t forget to ask questions if you need to. It is better to get clarification from your boss than to do a task wrong. And remember to do your best at this first job because you never know where it might lead!