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You’re about to graduate with a degree and are probably eager to share your vast knowledge with your future employer. That’s great! Find a way to keep that enthusiasm while you learn the ropes of your field and job. Take time to learn not only the industry you’ll work in, but the office politics, the major players in the field and in your office and where you are the most talented.
Take a step back and observe before you jump in head first. You’re probably well-versed in the latest and greatest methods and systems, but your office might not be there yet. Be patient. Learn the ways and processes in your office and then make suggestions. Don’t try to change things too quickly, but at the same time stay eager, excited and current. You might hear the phrase, but this is how we’ve always done it. Instead of hearing that as, we’re never going to change, hear it as change will be gradual. If you pay attention to your coworkers you might see someone roll their eyes at this comment. Befriend that person. Talk to your supervisor about implementing minor changes slowly.
There’s a fine line between being smart and being a smart aleck. Always err on the side of caution. Don’t be afraid to show you know math, statistics and basic (or advanced!) science and don’t be afraid to share your knowledge of colors, design and marketing principles. But at the same time don’t show off just to show someone else up. You’ll never regret being kind, but you will likely regret being a jerk.
Don’t check out too early. The skills you learn as an entry-level employee go far beyond changing paper in the copier and the right way to respond to email. You’ll learn how to interact with a wide range of personalities. You’ll learn what your limits are and when to extend them. You’ll learn how to be a professional and that’s priceless.
Image from: movinglivesforward.org
A friend is reentering the workforce after spending the last few years home with her son. She’s more than qualified in a two very different fields and to help her decide which one to focus her job search on, she’s working as a temp.
This is a great opportunity for her to evaluate what she likes and doesn’t in addition to what’s changed in the last five years.
After working in her temporary position for two of the four weeks, she’s fairly certain that she would enjoy a different field and inquired how to talk to the temp agency about placing her somewhere else when this position wraps up.
I encouraged her to have a conversation with the agency and be candid. Instead of emphasizing what she hated, instead reiterate the parts that she did enjoy, especially the aspects that indicate she would be happier in a different field.
For example, if she didn’t like the customer service parts of the job but enjoyed the data entry, schedule coordinating, taking meeting notes and filing, she should emphasize the latter in the conversation and on her written summary.
The opening session keynote speaker at the HUG Super Forum (I’m attending for work) made some really great points about making content work for you to gain clients or customers.
AK Stout, the owner at Saying it Social, emphasized that creating fresh, new content, not only helps your SEO, but also adds value to you or your organization.
She said, people aren’t using search engines to find a “plumber” like they would use the yellow pages, instead they are searching for, “how to fix a leaky faucet.” If your plumbing business can be on the first page of results for how to fix a leaky faucet, you’re more likely to gain that person as a customer when they can’t fix the leaky faucet themselves, or when they fix it using your information and another big plumbing issue comes up later.
The same is true for you. If you can be on the first page of results for whatever your niche or your company’s niche is, the more likely you are to gain that the person searching for that information for the project or in the future. You’ve provided valuable information without trying to overtly sell something.
Which was Stout’s second point, overtly selling turns people off. If instead you can provide value or desired information before pushing yourself or company, then you’ve gained their trust and you’re more like to gain a sale in the future. It’s a different mentality than in the past.
Think of that when you’re interviewing for a position. Instead of selling yourself, prove you can provide the value and have the necessary qualities for the position.
How do you provide valuable content and gain trust?
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