THE FIRST job marks an important milestone in a professional’s career and the first few months can make or break it. New hires can make the first impression a lasting one, says Anumeha Chaturvedi
1 Have Positive Attitude Sameer Bhariok, HR director of pharmaceutical firm Eli Lilly, feels nothing works better than having and expressing a positive attitude. “Let your enthusiasm for your team and the organisation be visible. You are now part of a team, and teams work together to solve problems and get the task done,” he says. Radhakrishnan Menon, founder and MD of LBW Consulting feels new hires should have the mindset of an apprentice. “There are no menial jobs, only menial attitudes,” says Bhariok.
2 Listen and Observe Bhariok says the best career-related advice he ever received was from his ex-boss in his first job: it was to listen and observe before suggesting any changes. “I took that advice and have used it in many situations, even outside the workplace. While innovation is a good thing, it is important to be mindful of the dynamics of your workplace,” he says. A newcomer walking in and talking about ‘better ways’ of doing things will often be met with resistance or negative reactions.
3 Be a Self-starter New hires are usually assigned small tasks in the first few weeks, but with time, they should start taking initiatives and should seek bigger responsibilities and more assignments. Menon suggests creating a career roadmap. “Professionals should set clear cut milestones and targets for themselves and should review them after the first six months,” he says. “Whatever you do, do not sit around waiting for your next project. There will be people who need help, and they will appreciate your efforts of pitching in if you volunteer for tasks,” says Bhariok.
4 Keep Boss Informed The boss cannot read minds, so it is important to keep him or her informed of how you are faring. Frequent meetings with your boss are important for establishing a rapport and a relationship. “Request meetings with your boss on a regular basis to review performance. But do not reach out to him for day-to-day minor problems. Instead, seek help from colleagues,” says Bhariok.
5 Psst...Avoid Gossiping The grapevine is unofficial office news and you can gain valuable insights about the office dynamics and your colleagues through it. But it is important not to contribute to the grapevine. This holds especially true when you are new. “You do not want to begin your career with a reputation for being a gossip monger,” says Bhariok. “And remember how small a world it truly is. Your reputation can precede you for years to come.”
(The Economic Times, Mumbai, 03-07-2012)
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