Whether it’s your first real job or you’ve just switched agencies, success at your new place of employment is crucial. Achieving success requires a delicate balance of interpersonal skills and demonstrating excellence at what you are paid to do. Here is how to strike that balance and succeed at work.
Know what your boss expects: It takes time to adjust to a new working environment. You won’t always understand a new supervisor’s directions right away, which can translate into a lot of wasted time and stress. Reduce the chances of that happening by asking questions to ensure you know what your boss expects. You may feel like a burden unloading a series of questions at first, but you will feel great when your boss congratulates you for completing your task on time and as expected.
Fit in with co-workers: No matter how isolated your job description may be, you should reach out to co-workers and make an effort to get along. Many hold the opinion that professionalism is not only about competence at a task, but about functioning as a positive force in your industry. By networking, you will feel better connected with your workplace and in a better position to move forward in your career down the road.
Communicate well: Misunderstandings happen, especially when everyone at your office is juggling projects and struggling to meet deadlines. Try to avoid creating too many of them by communicating well. Whether explaining something through writing or speech, plan out the main ideas of your message, and keep your communication centered on those ideas.
Approach every task with enthusiasm: Not every responsibility will be exciting, but that doesn’t mean you should abandon your enthusiasm. Workplaces benefit from employees who bring positive energy to projects, even during comparatively dull times. Maintaining a good attitude is an excellent way to contribute to your success at work.
Solicit feedback and follow advice from superiors and coworkers: Your progress within a company or agency does not need to remain a mystery. Ask for feedback and advice – not only will the responses you receive contribute to your professional development, but you will have a better understanding of how well, or poorly, you are performing.
Put in extra hours: Establishing a balance between work and your personal life is important. When you are getting started somewhere, though, it can be a good idea to put in extra hours at your job. You shouldn’t transform into a workaholic – fatigue working around the clock can actually make you produce sub-par work. However, if you feel like an assignment is important and going the extra mile would be a great way to stand out, then buckle down and work longer hours.
When you are new to a job, good impressions are crucial. It is important you convey to your employer and co-workers that you are eager to join the team. By establishing positive impressions from the first week, you set a strong foundation for a successful future as a valued member of the company.
This guest post was contributed by freelance writer Jordan Traeger, who writes for a variety of firms, including ShortTermHealthInsurance.net. Jordan studied Commerce at La Trobe University and has worked extensively as an insurance broker.