First job? Five simple hacks to impress your boss

Whether you are a graduate heading out to kick-start your professional career or embarking on an altogether new career path, that first job, in more ways than one is pretty intimidating. While some of you have done internships in the past, so you might know the ropes, many of you have no clue of what you are getting into. Every workplace is different and thus requires different skill sets to fit into, but a few common tips make it comparatively easy to face the challenges at any new job.

Over the past few years after having worked with a number of youngsters and professional experts, I have been able to jot down what behaviours and attitudes mark a new recruit as promising and promotion-worthy.


Every workplace is different and thus requires different skill sets to fit into. (Image: Agencies)

Do Your Homework - It goes without saying that one has to be well briefed about the organisation they are joining. Understanding their mission and vision helps you remain focussed on vital goals. Don't be ashamed to take help from colleagues who can assist you in keeping up with the speed and the kind of work expected out of the team. By doing research prior to your joining, you will only be better prepared for the obstacles that come your way.

Be a Sponge- One of the key duties of every new joinee is to simply watch and absorb - from your company's culture to the way your team works and responds. The projects, the challenges, the various departments and the goals that need to be accomplished should be well soaked into you, before taking over your responsibilities. It is okay to feel clueless initially, but once you start attending meetings, informal events or any office gathering, you will start getting the hang of how things and people operate.

Keep Your Boss Informed - You can accomplish much more by having a direct relationship with your boss than by using an intermediary to do so. This can be achieved by getting constant feedback and suggestions on the work you handle. Irrespective of how great or small your project is, keep your boss updated and informed on the progress and the learnings your have acquired. Become so good at it that your boss simply can't ignore your presence.

Try being a part of an important Project - Irrespective of whether you are made a part of a vital project your team works on or not, if it's important for the company, it's of utmost importance to you. Keep yourself updated about the challenges and progress on that particular project. Like I said before, you might just feel awkward initially since you are still learning the ropes and trying to make your mark, this tip will surely make you stand out. Never use the term, 'That's not my job'.

Be Willing to Try New Things- Every organisation, every team has a distinctive culture. Being experimental and saying yes to things should be your motto as a new employee. Embrace new routines, new ways to work, bigger challenges and changes to avoid the monotonous rut. Adapt to situations, think out of the box and think win - win.

At the end of the day, it's all about going the extra mile to be noticed. Since you are new at building your career, it should be your most valuable asset. It's obvious that shortcuts are a strict no, instead a synthesis of smart and hard work is a respectable mantra. Obtain experience and develop skills to make your way up the professional ladder. Your first job is not only about showing that you can get the job done well, it's also about networking and learning as many tricks of the trade as possible.