By Grace Du Prie Career Development & CounsellingServices

05/30/2011 Career Tip: SUCCESS IN YOUR NEW JOB

Grace Du Prie, Career & Training Consultant and CDAA member

After you have been successful in finding your job (whether paid or volunteer), following the points below will help to ensure that it will be a positive experience for you and for your employer.
When you start a new job, you will generally go through an induction and probation period which is designed to introduce you to the organisation and the job and make sure you are a good match for the job. No matter what your experience, any new job can be overwhelming as you begin. Everything is new and there is much to learn. You will also be meeting many new people. Plan for this change by allowing enough relaxation time outside of work and by taking care of yourself.
If you are coming back to work after a time of unemployment it will take some time to get used to the change and adjustment. While having a job gives you a chance to put into use what you have learned and to earn income, it also brings many challenges and lifestyle changes. You may find that you have to work harder the first year. Be open to learning both about your actual work and about the broader company.
Following the points below will help you to be successful in your job.
· Be prepared to improve (sometimes from your mistake)
Admit and learn from mistakes and accept suggestions for improvement. This can require some courage and strength, but it will make your working life a whole lot easier!


· Set goals
Having daily goals and long-term goals helps us to achieve. If you have used goal setting while looking for work, don’t stop, put it in practice again while at work. Make it also your goal to work well with others and to maintain a good relationship with your boss and co-workers; avoid confrontations

Use the “SMART” goals formula to help you make your goals meaningful. “SMART” goals stands for:
S Specific (detailed and exact)
M Measurable (assessable and quantifiable)
A Attainable (possible, within reach, manageable)
R Realistic (practical, reasonable)
T Time bound (set times to achieve goals by)

· Control your thought life
What we think is what we become. The glass really is half full or half empty and you make the choice what it is going to be. Make one of your goals to work well with others, avoid confrontations and maintain a good relationship with your boss and co-workers.

· Take responsibility
Do it now – don’t put things off. Don’t blame others when things go wrong. Be prompt in getting work finished, as this will make you feel good and it makes an employer happy too!

· Overcome your problems and hurts (there is no gain without pain)
Accept problems and hurts as part of life. The world will not end just because there are some problems that are coming up. Meet problems as a challenge, which will be your teacher to learn new skills from. Ask questions or research answers if you're not sure so as not to proceed in error. Be courteous, kind and encourage people.

· Befriend good men and women
Surround yourself with people that will give good support and advice. ‘My best friend is the one who brings out the best in me.’ Be sensitive to others and do not gossip.

· Do more then expected
Go for excellence! Work hard – go the extra mile. It is a good investment and you will see a return. Volunteer for committees or projects to become noticed and recognised.

In summary:

• Don’t quit when things don’t go as expected
• Set achievable goals
• Look for long-term results
• Remember to ask for help when you need it
• And most importantly, have realistic expectations about the job before you start.

Grace Du Prie Career Development & CounsellingServices

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