Workscope
[Issue 16, October 2004]

Starting your first graduate job? Read on for some great tips….

Starting a new job can be intimidating at first - so to help you get a head start the careers service offers you are a few tips to help you get ahead!

1. Do Research. Learn all about your new employer. What makes their business profitable? What are their future plans? What is their workplace culture really like? Hunt around for documents and try to network with some employees and clients.
   
2. Plan your outfits ahead. what you are going to wear for the first week. Make sure everything is clean, professional and is suited to the workplace. If in doubt, try to be conservative and confident.
   
3. Plan your travel route with time to spare to avoid a first day disaster. Factor in to the plan that your train or bus may not be on time.
   
4. Make some meals in advance to take the pressure off and on your first day, scope out the office for a kitchenette and see what is available. Alternatively, asking about great places to buy lunch nearby can be a good icebreaker with new colleagues.
   
5. Learn the ropes. Early in the job, look out for signs of accepted conduct - What is the hierarchy? How is evaluation conducted? What is the management style of your supervisor? Try to find a mentor who knows the ropes, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.

For more information check out http://www.careerplanning.about.com