Presented by Bob Nealon, Career CoachNorth Campus Career Center

Tips Ensuring Success in Your First Job After Graduation

Did you know….

Source: CNN, May 2014

• 91% of millennials (born between 1982 and 2004) expect to stay in a job for less than three years (which could, in fact, add up to 15 to 20 jobs over the course of a lifetime).

What Do Employers Think?

Source: CNBC, October 2014

• 77% of Employers expect recent college graduates to stay with the company less than one year.

30 Tips to Adapt and Succeed in Your First

Job

Tip #11. “Start” the job before you start

• Ask if there are any materials or resources you should review before you start

• Inquire if there is any paperwork that can be completed in advance

• Follow the company on social media – be up-to-date on company news (both good and bad)

Tip #22. Your work reputation begins before you know

it…

• Show up to work and make this a habit. Dress appropriately for work and company events.

• Be respectful and polite to everyone – especially administrative and support staff. Make sure everyone you work with feels important, valued, and respected.

• Avoid the “I’m new” excuse and excuses in general. Be ready to take on work and deliver results.

• Work within the system. • Know the rules• Establish a reputation as a “go-to person”

Tip #33. Engage with your co-workers

• Go to lunch with others (never eat alone), invite a colleague to coffee, etc.

• Avoid the office drama and gossip mill.• Offer to help other out (if you have time or can)• Be a team player and treat everyone with respect

and positivity.• Seek out potential mentors who can coach you

towards success.

Tip #44. Serve your colleagues and customers

• Get to know the preferences and expectations of your immediate supervisor

• Provide your immediate supervisor with frequent updates

Tip #55. Work hard and show up on time

• Come ready to work each day and develop the reputation of a hard worker.

Tip #66. Solicit feedback periodically and respond

positively to constructive criticism.

Tip #77. Don’t miss work time unless it is absolutely

essential – and put in extra hours to catch up when you return.

Tip #88. Approach every task/assignment with

enthusiasm and attention to detail.

Tip #99. Avoid continual checks of your cell phone and

other social media while at work.

• Save this for lunch or after work (or at the very least a private environment)

Tip #1010.Review your social media imprint and make

sure any personal information visible to the public reflects a professional image.

• You know what I mean here, right?

Tip #1111.Establish a complete, up-to-date LinkedIn

profile.

• Join relevant professional groups and add as many connections as possible. Ask for recommendations from others you’ve worked with

Tip #1212.Affiliate with positive people and avoid

complainers and slackers.

Tip #1313.Devise a professional development plan with

clear goals and objectives.

• Find out from others what credentials, certifications would assist your advancement/development plan and take action

Tip #1414.Join local, regional, and national professional

groups and associations.

• Volunteer in the community as well

Tip #1515.Keep in touch with all those people who have

helped pave the way to your first job.

Tip #1616.Don’t bring your laptop to a meeting unless

you have been asked to do so or you need it for a specific purpose.

• Bring a note pad and pen to take notes; it is more professional.

• Pay attention, take notes, and deeply consider everyone’s opinion.

Tip #1717.Be very cautious drinking at

company/corporate events (unless you are celebrating a big team success or win)

• It can be a big red flag to your colleagues and manager

Tip #1818.Don’t make excuses

• Sometimes rookies are inclined to make excuses or get defensive when their work or judgement is questioned. Don’t do it. If you made a mistake, own the mistake. Your boss will appreciate your honesty.

Tip #1919.Never hide bad information from your

superiors.

• Pointing out problems tells your supervisor/boss that you are paying attention, and that you care about the success of your team and organization.

Tip #2020.When asked to do something you don’t know

how to do, be resourceful.

• You are not expected to know everything. However, your supervisor assumes you are smart enough to figure it out or ask for clarification or some guidance.

Tip #2121.Take notes during meetings

• Always have a pen and notebook with you and never stop taking notes.

• Put a star by the action items assigned to you.

Tip #2222.Think about presentation

• Make sure anything with your name on it (e-mail, report, meeting request, etc.) looks the best it can look.

Tip #2323.All interactions are auditions to be hired for

more work

• Show your colleagues how much you want their business by doing what they’ve asked you to do.

Tip #2424.You’re in a cubicle so think about your voice

along with anything that comes out of your space.

Tip #2525.Double-check yourself.

• Is the name spelled correctly in the e-mail?• Have I completed my to-do list?• Does your boss have everything they need for the

meeting?

Tip #2626.No huge headsets in your office (unless noise is

unbearable and you’ve gotten approval)

Tip #2727.No inappropriate office attire.

Tip #2828.Remember your boss’s plate.

• Keep your boss up-to-speed with your progress and task completion.

Tip #2929.Take it slow.

• Learn the ropes and understand the culture.

Tip #3030.Don’t quit.

• If it is not the right fit, find and accept another job before quitting.

It takes planning and hard work on the job to

succeed

• Work hard on the job!• Good luck!

Reminder:

Broward College Resources• Your North Campus Career Center Staff

• Resume Writing, Interviewing, Job Search Strategy, and more

• Assessment Tools including Career Coach and FOCUS 2

• Internship EDGE

• Student job bank @ www.broward.edu/ccn

Questions?

Contact me for an appointment

My Contact Information:

Bob NealonCareer Coach Specialist

Broward College – North CampusBuilding 46, Room 238 (Career Center)

Phone: (954) 201-2270E-Mail: RNealon@broward.edu

Connect with me through LinkedIn @ www.linkedin.com/in/BobNealon

Thank you for attending!