12 Simple Ways To Succeed At Your First Job (Or ANY Job)

I started working when I was 14. I flipped burgers, made malts, sundaes and ice cream cones and waited on customers at Gert’s Drive Inn (Yes, there really was a “Gert”!). It was a great job and I started at $1.00 an hour. I worked there through high school and then during college I worked in the Registrar’s office at the University of South Dakota. (Pre-computer. . . that was me adding hours and grades on your transcript!)  I was thankful for the money and the experiences certainly helped me when I started my career in the insurance industry. I had an idea of what it was like to work full-time and I understood basic work ethics. Still, I had no idea how to really get ahead in my new world. It’s a big step from college to career!

I’ve recently retired so why do I even care? It’s about our kids. They are in the work force – or getting ready for their first real job. They may feel nervous or they may think they know it all. As parents – and adults who have worked their entire lives – we’ve learned a thing or two. We’ve been employees. We’ve been employers.  It’s time to pass on some simple reminders to help them make their first work experience a success.

1. Be On Time. I can’t believe I have to tell you this one, but it’s a deal-breaker if you can’t do it. Start your day on time. Being on time does NOT mean breezing in at the last-minute and spending 20 minutes going to the bathroom and getting coffee. Being on time means beginning your work at the designated time. Better yet, get there a little early. Return to work from your breaks and lunch on time. Do. Not. Be. Late. It’s just that simple. Not only will it hurt your chances to advance, it could cost you your job. Oh, and your co-workers will hate you.
2. Work Hard.  No, just showing up and gracing your employer with your presence is not enough. Employers can tell when you’re just “phoning it in” and aren’t giving it your all. You are paid for a job that you’ve indicated you can do. Your boss thinks you can do it successfully or he wouldn’t have hired you. Don’t disappoint him – or yourself by doing any less. No shortcuts. Do. The. Work.
3. Be Prepared. In school this meant papers, pencils and books. This could mean anything in the workplace, but know that you never enter a meeting without a way to take notes. Take the time to learn whatever you can about your employer. Google is your friend. If it’s a small company, ask your boss. Know your company’s history and direction. It’s not creepy – it’s not stalking. It’s business.
4. Go The Extra Mile. Stay late if your work isn’t completed. Come in early if needed. Volunteer for a project or join a committee. Want people to like you? Clean up after yourself in the break room, make coffee if needed and bring in donuts once in a while. Who doesn’t love donuts?
5. Be Nice. Smile.  Really! It’s all about having a good attitude. Be the person who people like to be around. It works socially and it works professionally, too.
6. Act Alive. Show that you’re energized and ready to do the job. Nobody wants to work with a lazy, lethargic sloth. Ugh. If you’re sick, don’t come in. If you’re hung over, you’d better suck it up and be on top of your game. Seriously.
7. Be Open To Learning New Things. You do not know it all. In fact, depending on your job, you may not know anything at all about your new career. Listen. Ask questions. Pay attention. Learn. Then keep learning. You are never done.
8. Look The Part. You’ve heard “dress for the job you want, not the job you have” from us. That still works, but just make sure you’re dressed appropriately for work and that your clothes – and your body language – are professional. Also, if your clothes need ironing, iron them. If you can’t iron, find a good laundry service or dry cleaners. Your appearance affects your credibility and it does matter.
9. Stay off social media. Unless it’s part of your job description, you need to limit your social media contact to lunch and breaks. As an employer, I was never happy when I noticed employees had posted on Facebook during office hours and I hated to see phones out and thumbs texting. Why? You are wasting time that has been paid for your employer. Give them their money’s worth and you will reap the benefits.
10. Care. Make sure you care. Care about your customers, your projects, your coworkers and the end result. Like most things in life, the more you put into it, the more you will get out of it. This is almost always 100% true for most things in life.
11. Expect To Pay Your Dues. You are not ready to be management. You cannot call the shots. You have to earn your creds – you must work your way up to what you believe you are capable of. I admire your confidence.  (Link is to a hilarious millennial video). Confidence is awesome, but trust me. . . you need to work your way up.
12. Keep Your Options Open. You should be networking every minute of the day. It isn’t likely that your current job is going to last forever, but it is likely that your next job could come from not only the experience of this job, but also from the contacts you meet. Take the time to talk to people.

That last one was a bonus. It’s more about you than your current job. Why? Because you have to watch out for yourself, too. Appreciate your work and your job but appreciate your capabilities and your worth, too. We want you to succeed. We know it may not be easy. Make sure you give yourself every opportunity for success and that you watch out for yourself. We’ve had your back up until now but work is one area where it’s now YOUR turn to keep things in line. Go for it. You’ve GOT this!