Comments on: 5 Things You Should Know When You Start Your First Job (That No One Will Tell You)

By: Anne Buchanan

Anne Buchanan — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 15:37:20 +0000

In reply to Kathleen McFadden. Kathleen, this is so true! If your first job or internship is at a busy agency or office, you will quickly learn that you can have a strong impact by anticipating needs and responding quickly to requests. I can't tell you how much I appreciate a staff member who is always trying to make my life easier. The pace of work is so fast and intense that a very organized and responsive junior staffer will stand out quickly. Thanks for being one of those people, Kathleen. It is much appreciated!

By: Kathleen McFadden

Kathleen McFadden — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 15:33:07 +0000

I’m happy to have access to advice like this on a daily basis (thanks, Anne!).

One thing I would add: when interning or starting an entry-level job, try to make everyone’s job a little bit easier. You’ll really make an impact on the organization. For example, if your supervisor asks you about a previous email they sent, never say “uhhh, could you resend that?” Instead, take the time to organize your materials and search through your inbox. Everyone’s time is valuable, and you don’t want to make others spend time searching for something they know you have, somewhere.

By: Ashley

Ashley — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 13:24:29 +0000

Great post, these little things make a HUGE difference. With these tips, you’re bound to make a great impression on your colleagues to start.

How and WHERE do we advertise this material to help our post-job seekers?

By: Jon Ericson

Jon Ericson — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 17:46:08 +0000

Set the cell phone on “airplane mode” before meetings start.

By: Scott Hanson, APR, Fellow PRSA

Scott Hanson, APR, Fellow PRSA — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 14:56:24 +0000

Great stuff Anne. I’d add: participate and contribute, whether it’s an internal status update meeting or a luncheon or mixer.

By: mkedave

mkedave — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 14:04:38 +0000

Also: Never leave before your immediate supervisor/manager/AE. If possible, stay later than the bosses.

By: @asandford

@asandford — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 14:00:53 +0000

I would remind young employees that their non-verbal communication can speak very loudly in certain situations. In working with our interns this summer, I noticed several of them whispering to each other while an employee was giving a demonstration of our product, or writing notes to each other during meetings (which I suspect were not related to the meeting), and, well, fidgeting during an presentation given by the CEO. Needless to say, I’ll be adding a basic office comportment class to the beginning of next year’s intern program.

By: Arik Hanson

Arik Hanson — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 13:51:48 +0000

Love this post, Anne. And I really like #4 and 5. I got the same tip on #4 early in my career and that one has paid off big-time. Same goes for interviews, by the way. I don’t know how many interviews I’ve been in where the interviewee never wrote down a single thing. To your point in #4, even if you don’t write anything down, just having the pen and paper out *anticipating* to take notes makes a difference. Great post!

By: David Landis

David Landis — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 00:46:23 +0000

Great blog as usual, Anne. Here’s what I would add: as the keeper of sartorial sensibility, always dress professionally. In my opinion, you can never be overdressed, but you can often be underdressed. We’re in the business of promoting positive images, so start with yourself. Unfortunately, a lot of young business people (and employees here in the Bay Area and Silicon Valley) seem to think wearing a pair of jeans and a T-shirt is appropriate office wear. It is not. If you’re a guy, wear that suit and tie proudly, especially if you are meeting clients — and if you’re a lady, don’t forget the heels and pearls! Cheers, David