As a fresh graduate transitioning into working life, you might be questioning yourself about the things you can do to prepare yourself for the workforce. Are you equipped with the right mindset? What are some lessons that you weren’t taught back in school?
Working life is not easy, but it isn’t necessarily as difficult as it may seem if you mentally prepare yourself well! Here are the five things you should know to help you start your first job and embark on your work-life journey confidently.
1. Your Social Media Accounts Play a Part in Your Job Hunt
Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. You are probably familiar with these social media platforms. But have you ever thought about what kind of impression your social media accounts portray?
Most companies would do a quick background check on potential employees, and your social media account is one of the places they will look into. They might glance through your posts and photos to get a better idea of their potential hire.
Do you swear a lot in your social media posts? Or is your Facebook album filled with photos of you and your buddies getting wasted at parties every weekend?
This is where the initial impression is set even before you meet your potential employer in person. So make time to clean up your social media accounts and leave a good impression! If it sounds like we are exaggerating, learn about a rock star’s (Van Halen) notorious “NO BROWN M&M’s” contract clause to understand why the trivial things matter.
2. Put In Your Best Effort Always Because Hard Work Pays Off
As humans, it is understandable that we all feel a little off or even lazy from time to time. However, constantly not giving your best at work would hurt you in the long run.
Picture yourself as the boss of your own company. Would you feel good if one of your employees is often slacking off while the rest of the team is giving their best efforts?
Giving your best effort in every task you do, regardless of its importance, helps leave a good impression on your employer. Furthermore, it allows you to become more competent with each completed task!
3. A Successful Career Is Built on the Foundation of Networking and Establishing Good Relationships
Well, this doesn’t mean that you would become successful at work just by getting your boss coffee every morning!
Most successful professionals will attribute a big part of their success to having established great relationships with their colleagues, superiors and clients. This means having genuine and sincere relationships with people without expecting anything in return.
We pave our own path. So lay down a good foundation and build genuine relationships with your peers because you never know when you may need some help from them.
4. Dress Appropriately Because First Impressions Count
Always dress appropriately for the occasion. Your physical appearance is not everything, but it is the first thing people will look at. Don’t show up to your interview or the first day of work dressing sloppily and looking unprofessional.
Also, remember that there is an outfit for every occasion. You wouldn’t wear a tuxedo to the gym, and you wouldn’t wear your swimsuit to the supermarket. So an outfit appropriate for one occasion might not be suitable for another.
Do spend some time finding clothes and outfits that suit you and the occasion you are attending. By putting in the effort to look good, you will naturally feel good and more confident about yourself!
5. Be Coachable. Feedback (Both Positive and Negative) Is Important To Help You Improve and Grow
We all enjoy receiving praise and encouraging comments because they make us feel confident and good about ourselves. When it comes to comments and feedback that might not sound too pleasant, do not take them personally. Acknowledge that criticisms can help you grow as a person, and use them constructively to better yourself.
Having the right mindset and mentality will help you deal with all sorts of negative feedback you may receive. Take them professionally, and with the right attitude, you will find yourself improving faster than you expect!