10 Ways to Ace Your First Job

by Shannon Dauphin

Here's an interesting point to ponder: According to career advice guru Penelope Trunk, most people who fail at their job do so within the first three months. That means your first impression is a vital one that can make or break your first job, so you should hit the ground running.
Career advice for the college graduate
You've made it through college, and now the workforce is calling. No matter how prepared you think you are for the transition, you might be surprised--according to an NPR story, most college graduates seem unprepared for the workplace environment.
It is time for a reality check. Your entry-level job might not include several weeks of vacation, a killer salary and rights to a company car. But it is a stepping stone to bigger and better things. Here is how to start out with the best impression possible--one that will hold you in good stead for many years to come.

1. Adopt the right attitude. No matter what the situation, your attitude matters, and your first job is no different. Walk into your job with confidence. No, you don't know all the ropes yet, but you have the ability and drive to learn them. Focus on working with your team, meeting your goals and learning as much as you can.
2. Find a mentor. A mentor is a person who can help guide you through the various phases of your career. Look for someone who is knowledgeable about the company and willing to take you under their wing. The mentor answers questions, gives advice and offers ways you could improve.
3. Ask plenty of questions. Those first months on the job are the best time to ask questions. You aren't expected to know everything at this point, so your colleagues or boss should be happy to teach you. Take advantage of the leeway and ask intelligent questions.
4. Stay quiet and listen. What you hear is more important than what you ask. Listen and take notes at every meeting. Pay attention to comments your colleagues make. Offer your opinion if asked, but for the most part, stay quiet and learn.
5. Dress for the job you want. If you are in the mail room and want that promotion to assistant, don't wear the usual jeans and company polo. Dress in business casual instead. If you look the part, your supervisors will begin to envision you in that part, and that could mean a boost to nicer horizons.
6. Avoid gossip. Tempted to talk about that new girl in accounting? Don't. Office politics can undermine a promising career before it has a chance to start. Your words could always come back to haunt you.
7. Make time management a priority. No matter your job, getting it done on time is part of the description. Use calendars, lists, alarms and reminders. Break large projects down into smaller tasks. Make notes about everything at first, even if it seems irrelevant. Pay attention to the clock and never, ever arrive late.
8. Be open-minded about your role. Paying your dues is part of the workplace. When you are asked to make calls, address envelopes or file until you can't see straight, do it with a smile. Your positive attitude in the face of boring work will not go unnoticed.
9. Take the job seriously. If you bombed a test in college, you could often just take the class again. Those days are over. Your first job is a serious step into your career, and it should be seen as the golden opportunity it is. Approach the job with a deep sense of commitment and vigor.
10. Network like crazy. Who you know matters. Remember names, make contacts, and learn who really runs the place. Attend all company functions and always be ready with a handshake and a smile.

Shine like a brand-new penny in your first job
Start preparing for your new job long before that first day. Hone your time management and networking skills. Choose clothing that will be suitable for your workplace. Learn as much as you can about the company you will be working for, and write down questions that come to mind.
On your first day, walk into your new job with confidence, keep your eyes and ears open, and view the next few months as your launching pad into the career you have always wanted.