You finally graduated from school, intern at various places, and now you have an entry-level position at your dream company. It’s your big first day and a rush of excitement hits you as  you enter the office doors. You feel insecure and overwhelm by the mountains of things you don’t know how to do. Just when you thought you could breathe a sigh of relief for finally getting your dream job, you realize you need a plan to succeed in your new position. First impression counts, so from the start you will need a strategic plan that will help portray your reputation positively.

Here are 10 tips / strategies that will help:

(1). Make sure you know the rules, protocol, and procedure for your job. If work starts at 9am, then you should be there for 9am or earlier. Don’t be late for work. Supervisors are viewing your work habits and performance, while determining how responsible of a person you may be.

(2). Conduct yourself in a professional manner at all times. Remember, you are being judged by your work performance, behavior and habits. Your supervisor will be scrutinizing all your moves in the first few days and months. Until you understand your company’s culture you should be cautious and always be professional. Don’t stand around socializing all day with co-workers, your work will fall behind and you may miss important deadlines. You may also give the impressions that you don’t have enough work to do therefore eliminating the need for your position.

(3). Stay away from office gossip and fighting. Remember you are new and shouldn’t be involved with any office pettiness. Also, watch what you say to co-workers, it may be misconstrued later and cast you in a negative light to your supervisors. It may also cause unnecessary stress and tension in the work place.

(4). Dress appropriately at all times. If you are unsure and don’t know what is appropriate attire, observe a co-worker or person that is in a position you desire to attain one day and imitate their dress code. It is always best to dress for the position you want, rather than the position you are in.

(5). Always send a report about project progression, completed projects, and other items, and on anything that shows how you have added value to the company. Don’t assume that your hard work is being recognized, you should always follow up with an email to ensure that you are receiving the credit you deserve.

(6). If you are arriving early and staying late make sure you are being seen by the relative people in your company. This will show that you are always ready to work.

(7). Seek out guidance and meaningful assistance when needed. Don’t feel afraid to ask for help. Find out who have the correct information and learn how to do it for next timer embarrassed about not knowing something. You are new to the company and there will be things that you . Ask questions, get answers, and if you are confused research and teach yourself.

(8). Ask clarifying questions when giving a project. Often time, you may be giving a project without any clear or specific guidelines. When this occurs, try to ask clarifying questions, such as “did I hear you say ……”, or paraphrase what was said to you. When doing the project have check in points of completion, such as, submitting a final rough draft and asking for any corrections, changes, or suggestions.

(9). When being praised, accept it and never down play your accomplishments. You want to be valued at your company.

(10). If given the opportunity to speak with your bosses never complain, gripe, or discuss other coworkers negatively. You may feel that it is a good time to get back at coworkers or develop a good speaking relationship with your boss however he is not your friend and your complaints may put you in a negative light. It may also make situation at your work place tense for you especially if your co-workers find out.

Applying the strategies at the beginning of your new job will help to ensure that you are successful in your position and beyond.

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