Fresh Graduate: The New Beginning of Working

Hey everyone. Maybe some of you already read my entry of Fresh Graduate: Interview. So once you already accepted your job, how can you survive as newbie in the office. Yes, you're the fresh meat that everyone would like a piece of you. It's either the help you or end up bullying you.

1. Be friendly/Polite
Be friendly to everyone in the office and be polite especially to the seniors. I don't like this "senior-junior" attitude but some workplace does have this kind of attitude. Yep, just go with the flow because some of the "senior" who earlier doesn't really give a crap (some are rude just because you're junior) on you will eventually be nice once you get to know them. Even thought you hate them, just fake a smile.

2. Ask
If you don't know anything just ask. If you don't know how to do your work, just ask. Even though some of them refuse to help you to learn but at least you asked. Some of the seniors like you to ask them. It make them feel important. Don't be shy and scare. It's better to ask rather than sitting there quietly and being dumb.Why do you need to ask? Refer to point 3. By the way, most of the seniors did mention this point to me. They want new hire to ask them. They might already point out important thing but some points could be missing. That's why they want you to ask.

3. Learn
We all write in our resume and tell the interviewer during the interview that "I am willing to learn." Now is the time that you need to learn by asking your senior if you don't know and not sure. Don't assume and just do it. You might end up making a mistake that in worse case will effected your senior or manager's work. Remember, DON'T ASSUME, JUST ASK. Okay some of them doesn't want to help you and you end up need to learn it yourself. Use the Internet and stop being lazy.

4. Punctual
Remember I told you to be punctual for the Interview? Make it a habit and continue to come early and be punctual when you come to the office. Make sure you are early whenever you need to attend a meeting either internal or with clients. Don't follow bad habit from your seniors who always come late.

5. Working Attire
It depends on your office dress code. I used to work in MNC company that allows employees to wear jeans. Most of the office prefer office casual. As long you look neat that would be fine. You don't want to look like someone just came out from the garbage do you?

6. Take note
You are new to the company and your job. Make sure you have a notebook and pen for you to write down anything important. Usually most of the company will give you a notebook together with other stationeries for you to use it. You won't want to piss off others for asking the same questions for so many times. Two times are still acceptable.

7. Blend in.
As I suggested in point one, try to blend in with others but be careful. Since you're new, don't trust anyone 100%. They might have other intention of scamming or using you. It will take a while for you to really blend in with colleagues who are more suitable for you. You are lucky if you have another new hire on your first day so you can make friends with that person and won't be so nervous as when you are alone.

8. Learn from mistake
Making mistake is unavoidable. No matter how careful you are, sometimes you'll end up making a mistake. Your senior or manager might be angry and scold you. Learn from that mistake and never repeat the same mistake again.

You will take some times to understand the company protocol and culture. Each company has their own culture. I've worked with 3 companies before and I've experienced 3 different cultures. My supervisor during my intern-ship did mention to me that the first year working is about adjusting yourself and knowing the company. So I advise that you should experience at least 1 year in your company to see how it goes. If you can't adapt to the working culture or get a better offer that you should go. If you have experience less than 1 year, most of the interviewers will ask because they afraid that you won't stick around and jump from one company to another.

Hope my tips above help you and it based on my experience. Other people may have different experience that I've never encounter. Maybe if you want to share you can mention it in the comment below. Happy working everyone!