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Posted On 09.08.10

Guest Post by Karen Flowers.
GS: First Day on the Job.

Go on, be ecstatic … you deserve it! Getting hired is definitely an achievement. But after the celebration, it’s time to step back and plant your feet firmly on the ground and remind yourself that this is a new beginning and you have plenty to do.  Getting the job is half the battle … keeping it is the other half!

  1. Make a good first impression. Indeed, you have to! Since you’re the newest kid in town, all eyes will be on you on your first few weeks. Come to office on time or even earlier.  ubmit deliverables before the deadline.  Dress to impress – without the overkill, of course.  Whatever it is that you think might project you as a good employee, just do it. Be careful not to overdo anything, though.  You don’t want to look like you’re  trying too hard.
  2. Show them what you’ve got. Nothing’s wrong with it as long as you don’t look arrogant (already?). You’re new and it takes a little more effort to prove your worth. Volunteer whenever the chance arises. Help in tasks which you think you’re good at. Exhibit impressive performance and let the office notice your skills and expertise. Show them your determination.
  3. Be congenial. Try to get to know everyone in the office. Most of them are already friends with several, if not all of the employees. Unless you want to become the office wallflower, initiate conversations with your co-workers and go out with them once in a while. Your workmates will appreciate your efforts at reaching out and will most likely return the gesture.
  4. Don’t jump into any fires just yet. You’re the new kid on the block and you still have a lot to learn – including office dynamics.  It is prudent to steer clear of any controversial issues in the office at this point.  Adjusting to the new workplace can already cause enough stress; you don’t want to aggravate things by getting involved in any office gossip or drama.
  5. Don’t be Mr. or Miss Independent. It’s all right to ask questions; it’s almost expected when you’re new.  Rather than make blunders, don’t be afraid to ask for someone else’s help if you need it. If someone offers to help, accept it with grace.

Getting hired is a gift you must really be thankful for. Do what it takes to keep it. Starting a new job can be both exciting and daunting at the same time. Take heart and remember that not all people are as lucky as you to land a good job (especially in this economy).  Some have been waiting for years.  Be grateful and don’t let it slip away.


Over the past 10 years, Karen has assisted thousands of job seekers by providing them with a resume that brought them the confidence and professionalism they needed to get an interview. After writing for several years, Karen recognized the need for something different. Utilizing a creative edge, she helps make job hunting easier with her company, TheResumeChick.com, as an affordable way to get top-notch, custom resumes in a jiffy. Her clients have raved about their new competitive edge, more interviews and better job offers and salary increases thanks to her handiwork. Karen welcomes any inquiries for interviews and career assistance opportunities where she can lend her voice on the how-to’s on writing a resume that works and getting the interview.

You can get more tips from her blog or simply follow her amusing factoids, discussions and articles on her Twitter. Don’t be fooled by impostor Chicks! And for goodness’ sake, when a groovy resume is what you want … Resume Chick-It!

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Comments

09.09.10

This is great. I know for me, I also spent a lot of time just getting to know people. I was on a global team, and I knew I would need to go to some of these people eventually. If I got to know them now, my urgent need wouldn't be my first impression. As I worked with the company longer, I often placed calls to some of the new hires in other offices, just to get to know them. Then if they had their first urgent need, they knew they could call me and already have someone who would be ready to help.

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