The Office. Week 1
The resume is perfect. You nailed the interview. You get the offer and then the panic sets in. The office. The people. How will it be? How should you act? What should you wear? It’s the first week at a new school. You’re the new kid and you never get a second chance to make a first impression.
THE LOOK:
They will only see and know your “cover” so make it work for you. What does your style (or lack thereof), say about you? Think about, because they will. If you don’t have the wardrobe to nail a great look, keep it simple and try to think about how the others there might dress. Choose your outfits at night and leave the mornings stress free.
THE TONE:
Professional and friendly, but not too friendly. People don’t want to admit it, but they like (and expect) the new kid to be just a teeny weeny bit intimidated. They are the seniors and you are the freshman. Respect the hierarchy, there are titles for a reason.
THE WORK ETHIC:
Come a little early and leave a little late. You are not Dolly Parton and there are rarely any 9-5 jobs. But, always “do as you mean to go”, meaning don’t be extreme and come in at 8am when you know that you won’t be able to maintain that schedule forever. Be a self-starter. Be resourceful. Don’t just wait around to be told. Ask. At the end of the day, if your boss is still there, ask if he or she needs anything else before you jet out.
THERE IS NO “I” IN TEAM:
Be collaborative and helpful. Don’t be the kid that always raises his hand with the answer. Chill. Your time will come. Get the lay of the land first before you try and bulldoze it.
THE DEMEANOR:
Happy yet not overzealous. Don’t come in and start spilling your boyfriend problems with the team. Observe. Listen. This is the time for learning and research. You’ll get to know everyone and they will you, in time.
WATCH YOUR TMI:
Too much information is never a good thing when it comes to your personal life in the workplace, at least until you establish friendships. That goes for your social media accounts too. Watch your words and watch your posts. Those pictures, they speak volumes and they will not tell a good story. In addition, don’t friend your boss anywhere until you know it’s appropriate.
KNOW WHERE YOU WORK:
Do the homework and learn who the key players are. Know the names and titles so you can be sure your email tonality is appropriate if you need to contact them.
EMAILS:
Watch the abbreviations. We’re all so socially media trained, but breaking news, u is actually not a word. Oh and don’t sign xo to people you don’t actually know REALLY well.
Last but not least, don’t steal red staplers. If you don’t get the joke, please watch Office Space.
