As Britain shifts gear into autumn, many recent graduates will still be leafing through application forms and frantically hunting for a job.
But a considerable number of others will be trying to suppress first-day butterflies as they start their very first graduate job or
graduate scheme. With this in mind, we have created a brief guide on how to survive your first month in a new job.
Get to know the team
It may be difficult when you’re nervous, but do your best to muster up a smile and come across as friendly and enthusiastic. Try to remember everyone’s names and, more importantly, how people like their coffee.
That way, you’ll have something to fall back on if you make mistakes or do something wrong in the first few weeks – ‘Laura’s done this tax form wrong... again’, ‘Yes, but she makes a lovely cup of tea’ – and voila, you’re safe.
Avoid office politics like the plague
While you will be keen to get to know your fellow colleagues, don’t be tempted into joining in malicious gossip or badmouthing other employees.
These people have a history, which you are not a part of yet – it’s best to lay low and get your bearings before making your opinion known on the latest office scandal.
Make sure you know what you’re doing
You will receive a mountain of information in your first week and it can be hard to remember it all. Take notes when you feel it’s necessary and don’t be afraid to ask questions. In fact, your colleagues will be expecting you to pester them with queries and it would be unusual if you didn’t: nobody is expecting you to come in on the first day equipped with all the office know-how.
Once you know what you’re doing, you can complete the task quickly and to a high standard, which will set you well on the way to impressing your boss.
Work hard
This may sound basic but can be easy to forget, especially when you’re surrounded by the distraction of other people. Working hard will show your employer that you are committed to the job and dedicated to your career.
Other basics such as being willing to take on other responsibilities and turning up on time are important too: you can’t go far wrong with a bit of self-discipline and flexibility.
In short, make your boss glad he plucked you from the graduate talent pool and you are already halfway to a good, fast-moving career!