Wednesday, 7 August 2013

Career Coach: Getting a start at a new job

Career Coach: Getting a start at a new job - The Washington Post wpostServer: http://css.washingtonpost.com/wpost Real Estate Rentals Cars Today's PaperGoing Out GuideFind&SaveService AlleyHome PostTVIn PostTVPoliticsIn PoliticsCongressCourts & LawThe Fed PageHealth CarePollingWhite HouseWhoRunsGovMd. PoliticsVa. PoliticsD.C. PoliticsBlogs & Columns

josh_hicksChambliss: Threats 'very reminiscent'...
Post Politics | Josh Hicksglenn_kesslerHas $15 trillion been spent fighting...
The Fact Checker | Glenn Kesslercarla_baranauckasA heartrending plea about distracted...
She The People | Carla Baranauckassean_sullivanThe National Governors Association...
The Fix | Sean SullivanOpinionsIn OpinionsToles CartoonsTelnaes AnimationsThe Post's ViewLeft-LeaningRight-LeaningLocal OpinionsColumnist IndexFeatured Blogs

alexandra_petriThe Bacon Wars
ComPost | Alexandra Petrigreg_sargentSunday Open Thread
The Plum Line | Greg Sargentjonathan_bernsteinHey, reporters! Do health insurance...
PostPartisan | Jonathan Bernsteinjennifer_rubinPaul Ryan's to-do list
Right Turn | Jennifer RubinLocalIn LocalD.C.MarylandVirginiaCrimeEducationObituariesTransportationWeatherBlogs & ColumnsBlogs & Columns

jason_samenowWeek to start and end beautifully...
Capital Weather Gang | Jason Samenowlauren_mcewenFree and Easy
Going Out Guide | Lauren McEwendana_hedgpethMetro baby in ICU
Dr. Gridlock | Dana HedgpethSportsIn SportsRedskins/NFLCapitals/NHLWizards/NBANationals/MLBD.C.United/SoccerCollegesAllMetSportsBlogs & ColumnsForumsOtherSportsBlogs & Columns

katie_carreraUSA keeps eye on the future
Capitals Insider | Katie Carreradan_steinbergHow Chris Cooley got cut
DC Sports Bog | Dan Steinbergmark_maskePositives and negatives so far...
The Insider | Mark Maskeadam_kilgoreX-rays negative on Werth's hand
Nationals Journal | Adam KilgoreNationalIn NationalEnergy &EnvironmentHealth & ScienceEducationNational SecurityInvestigationsOn FaithOn LeadershipInnovationsOn GivingCorrectionsBlogs & Columns

vivek_wadhwaLet's curb our 3D-printer enthusiasm...
Innovations | Vivek Wadhwajena_mcgregorCutting back on executive perks
On Leadership | Jena McGregormichael_shankAdvertising against Muslims? Not...
On Faith | Michael ShankWorldIn WorldAfricaTheAmericasAsia &PacificEuropeMiddle EastNational SecurityWar ZonesSpecial ReportsColumns & BlogsBlogs & Columns

max_fisherIranian president says of Israel...
WorldViews | Max Fishercaitlin_deweyInside Venezuela's 'Tower of David'
WorldViews | Caitlin Deweymax_fisherEchoes of Gitmo in U.S. failure...
WorldViews | Max Fisherwilliam_wanThe seven Chinese activists whom...
WorldViews | William WanBusinessIn BusinessEconomyIndustriesLocal BusinessMarketsPolicy&RegulationTechnologyWorldBusinessCapital BusinessOn Small BusinessOn I.T.Blogs & Columns

michelle_singletaryA small book of professional common...
The Color of Money | Michelle Singletarylydia_depillisThe Internet is killing Weight...
Wonkblog | Lydia DePillisTechIn TechnologyPolicyInnovationGreenTechnologyThe SwitchPhotoGalleriesBlogs & Columns

hayley_tsukayamaGet organized in style
Hayley Tsukayamatimothy_b_leeThe problem with the iPhone ban
The Switch | Timothy B. Leecaitlin_deweyWhen cops can read your searches
The Switch | Caitlin Deweybrian_fungHow the Justice Department wants...
The Switch | Brian FungLifestyleIn LifestyleAdviceCarolyn HaxFoodHome & GardenStyleTravelWeddingsWellnessMagazineKidsPostOn ParentingBlogs & Columns

hank_stueverTV critics honor 'Breaking Bad...
The Style Blog | Hank Stueverroxanne_robertsQuoted: Norwegian ambassador on...
The Reliable Source | Roxanne RobertsEntertainmentIn EntertainmentBooksComicsGoing Out GuideHoroscopesMoviesMuseumsMusicPuzzles & GamesTheater &DanceTVBlogs & Columns

michael_cavna‘SMURFS 2’: Sequel...
Comic Riffs | Michael Cavnalauren_mcewenFree and Easy
Going Out Guide | Lauren McEwenJobsIn Jobs#header-v3 #main-nav li.realestate{display:none;}#header-v3 #main-nav li a.top, #header-v3 #main-nav li a.top:link, #header-v3 #main-nav li a.top:visited, #header-v3 #main-nav li a.top:hover {font-size:13px;padding: 0 4px 0 5px !important;}#header-v3 #main-nav li a.home, #header-v3 #main-nav li a.home:link, #header-v3 #main-nav li a.home:visited, #header-v3 #main-nav li a.home:hover {padding: 0px !important;}#header-v3 #main-nav li.politics {border-left:none;}#header-v3 #main-nav li.classifieds {border-right:none;}#header-v3 #main-nav-wrapper-v2 .classifieds .rollMe {right:-1px;height:155px;width:260px;}#header-v3 #main-nav li.politics:hover {-moz-box-shadow: none;-webkit-box-shadow: none;box-shadow: none;}MoreClassifiedsCarsDealsReal EstateRentalsPhotosBlogsDiscussionsFind&SaveObituariesArchivesTopicsWP Wine ClubService Alley In the NewsTerrorism alert Alex Rodriguez Venice Beach Art Donovan dies Missy Franklin body .ui-menu-item { margin: 4px 0; text-align: left; text-indent: 10px;}body .ui-autocomplete.ui-widget-content{ border-top: medium none; border-top-left-radius: 0; border-top-right-radius: 0; display: block; left: 154px; position: absolute; width: 199px; z-index: 1;}body .ui-widget-content a { background-image: none !important; border: medium none !important; border-radius: 0 0 0 0; color: #222222; cursor: pointer; display: block; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%;}.search input{ width: 200px;}???initialComments:true! pubdate:06/23/2013 16:37 EDT! commentPeriod:14! commentEndDate:7/7/13 4:37 EDT! currentDate:8/4/13 8:0 EDT! allowComments:false! displayComments:true!Career Coach: Getting a start at a new job By Joyce E. A. Russell,

You finally landed a job at a good company. Way to go! Now what can you do to keep it?

The first few months on a new job create lasting impressions. So make those first few months really count. Show up every day trying to impress — by your professionalism, hard work and dedication. Some things to think about:

More from Capital Business

Fair Oaks Mall gets a new lookFair Oaks Mall gets a new look Abha Bhattarai

To keep up with customers’ changing demands, the Fairfax mall is demolishing relics from its past, including fountains and waterfalls, to make way for high-tech seating areas, free Wi-Fi and grand entryways.

Web site helps women go from maiden name to married name Abha Bhattarai

More than 160,000 people have used MissNowMrs.com, which has annual sales of more than $1M.

Conference center developer sets sights on Tysons CornerConference center developer sets sights on Tysons Corner Catherine Ho

New York-based Convene is staking out 15,000 square feet in what used to be a seafood restaurant in Tysons Corner.

Develop a plan for the first few months. There are numerous books written about the importance of the first months on the job (for example, “The First 90 Days,” by Michael Watkins). Develop a plan for that initial period and stick to it. You can’t do everything, so develop some specific goals.

Set out to exceed expectations. The job market is incredibly competitive so you need to achieve more than ever, and as soon as possible. Show that you are an employee who can deliver results.

Dress for the job. Make sure you dress professionally by examining what other successful people at the firm wear to work.

Don’t forget that relationships really matter. Take some time to build connections with your boss, co-workers and staff. Engage in some social activities (e.g., lunches, sports teams, volunteer campaigns, etc).

Identify who’s who in your department or organization. Learn the names of staff, co-workers and bosses. Take the time to learn who your potential allies are. If you have direct reports, spend some time getting to know each one of them individually. Learn their unique skills, what they like about their jobs, what they see as their challenges, and how they feel you can best help them.

Begin networking. Join regional and national professional associations. Set up meetings with others in your firm to learn more about what they do.

Pitch in. Remember that you were hired because you are needed. Your boss needs you to be successful so he/she can also be successful. The same is true for your colleagues. Find out their greatest pain points — what they really need help with — then, help them out.

Show initiative. Come to work early, stay late, ask colleagues and your boss what you can do. Don’t just wait for them to come to you. Go to them and show you are willing to do whatever it takes.

Display a positive, can-do attitude. Even if others at the firm are negative or have whiny attitudes, you still need to remain positive. Likewise, show respect to your boss, colleagues, customers and staff. Be polite, calm and professional in your dealings with others.

Continue learning. Set goals for the knowledge and skills you will need to develop to succeed at your job. Maybe you’ll need additional certifications or training. Identify what these are (you may need help from your boss or other successful employees at the firm), then draft your learning development plan. Once you have learned as much as you can on your job, learn about other jobs. Knowledge is valued at firms, and often whoever has the most knowledge is viewed as critical to the firm.

Be open-minded and willing to learn. Don’t assume that the behaviors that worked in your last job will work in this job. Be willing to try something new. Seek feedback from your boss and co-workers and listen to their constructive comments.

Stand out. Work hard to be known for something. Develop strength in some area the organization values. Whenever I ask chief executives of any size firm what they most look for in their employees, they agree that they want hardworking, loyal, dependable, conscientious employees who show great initiative. They will also say these employees are rare and very hard to find.

Focus on a few early wins. Think about a few specific areas to show success. This enables you to build momentum for later successes. It also helps to build your reputation and credibility.

Get advice from the best performers and follow what they do. It is okay to ask for help. It’s even better if you can get a few to volunteer to mentor you and show you the ropes. Make sure to find out the dos and don’ts of the firm since every company has unique cultural norms.

Be the best you can be. Keep records of what you have done on the job so you will be prepared to share this with your boss when it is time for your review. He or she may not have seen all of the things you have accomplished.

Remember, getting a new job is only half the battle. Excelling at it takes some planning, preparation, hard work and patience. But the rewards will be worth it.

Joyce E. A. Russell is the vice dean and the director of the Executive Coaching and Leadership Development Program at the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business. She is a licensed industrial and organizational psychologist and has more than 25 years of experience coaching executives and consulting on leadership and career management. She can be reached at jrussell@rhsmith.umd.edu.

Reprints$('.infoButton').on( 'mouseenter', function(e){$(this).children().show();} ).on( 'mouseleave' , function(e){$(this).children().hide();} );Discussion Policy | FAQ | About DiscussionsLoading...

Comments

Add your comment  Read what others are sayingAbout Badges SuperFan Badge

SuperFan badge holders consistently post smart, timely comments about Washington area sports and teams.

More about badges | Request a badge

Culture Connoisseur Badge

Culture Connoisseurs consistently offer thought-provoking, timely comments on the arts, lifestyle and entertainment.

More about badges | Request a badge

Fact Checker Badge

Fact Checkers contribute questions, information and facts to The Fact Checker.

More about badges | Request a badge

Washingtologist Badge

Washingtologists consistently post thought-provoking, timely comments on events, communities, and trends in the Washington area.

More about badges | Request a badge

Post Writer Badge

This commenter is a Washington Post editor, reporter or producer.

Post Forum Badge

Post Forum members consistently offer thought-provoking, timely comments on politics, national and international affairs.

More about badges | Request a badge

Weather Watcher Badge

Weather Watchers consistently offer thought-provoking, timely comments on climates and forecasts.

More about badges | Request a badge

World Watcher Badge

World Watchers consistently offer thought-provoking, timely comments on international affairs.

More about badges | Request a badge

Post Contributor Badge

This commenter is a Washington Post contributor. Post contributors aren’t staff, but may write articles or columns. In some cases, contributors are sources or experts quoted in a story.

More about badges | Request a badge

Post Recommended

Washington Post reporters or editors recommend this comment or reader post.

You must be logged in to report a comment.

Sign in here

You must be logged in to recommend a comment.

Sign in here

Comments our editors find particularly useful or relevant are displayed in Top Comments, as are comments by users with these badges: . Replies to those posts appear here, as well as posts by staff writers.

All comments are posted in the All Comments tab.

More about badgesGet a badge

To pause and restart automatic updates, click "Live" or "Paused". If paused, you'll be notified of the number of additional comments that have come in.


Comments our editors find particularly useful or relevant are displayed in Top Comments, as are comments by users with these badges: . Replies to those posts appear here, as well as posts by staff writers. SpamObsceneDuplicate .singular .echo-item-control-Share #newsharebar li .more {left: -565px;top: 10px;} Facebook Twitter Reddit StumbleUpon Digg Delicious Top business StoriesMost Popular VideosTraditional journalism isn't dead.This is what it's like to almost get eaten by a whaleGov. Brown imposes 7-day inquiry that averts strike of San Francisco Bay Area transit MondayAssociated Press 

This is an amazing traffic lightThe Internet is killing Weight WatchersWill fast-food street protests in big cities help spur hike in minimum wage?Associated Press 

Calif. gov. orders inquiry, averts strike of San Francisco Bay Area transitAssociated Press 

Planning for the helium apocalypseAs Windows XP reaches end of its lifecycle, businesses face big IT decisionsSarah Halzack 

Obama administration stops ban on sale, import of older Apple devicesHayley Tsukayama 

The electoral college staysHow LinkedIn has changed the way you might get your next jobSarah Halzack 

Why economists hate software patentsThe GOP's kamikaze mission against ObamacareSo you've burned your Obamacare draft card...'What I regret most in my life are failures of kindness'A terrifying recession graphNASA’s Curiosity rover celebrates landing on Mars; drives toward mountainAssociated Press 

Microsoft releases Surface sales data ::unspecified:: 

Value Added: This businessman keeps swinging for the fencesThomas Heath 

Get Business Newsletters and Alerts

Sign-up for e-mail newsletters and alerts and get the news you need delivered directly to your inbox.

 Local Business AlertsEconomy & Business News AlertsTechnology News AlertsCapital BusinessEzra Klein's WonkbookPersonal FinanceTechNews Daily ReportSee all Washington Post Newsletters

Robert H. Smith School of BusinessThe Motley FoolMarket Foolery Featured Podcasts

MarketFoolery: 08.01.2013Whole Foods battles great expectations, while the world’s biggest gold miner reports an epic quarterly loss.  Plus the guys analyze the latest results from Trulia and Yelp, and gear up for CNBC’s new primetime original “Twitter Revolution”. 

MarketFoolery: 07.31.2013

Shares of Buffalo Wild Wings and SodaStream heat up on strong earnings news. Our analysts give their take and talk about the perils of following big money.

MarketFoolery: 07.30.2013Coach drops on weak earnings and a drop in same-store sales.  Plus we analyze the latest from 3D Systems, National Oilwell Varco and Barnes & Noble.

The Washington PostPoliticsOpinionsLocalSportsNationalWorldBusinessTechLifestyleEntertainmentPhotoVideoBlogsClassifieds More ways to get us

Home delivery Mobile & Apps RSS Facebook Twitter Social Reader Newsletter & Alerts Washington Post Live Reprints & Permissions Post Store e-Replica Archive Contact Us

Help & Contact Info Reader Representative Careers Digital Advertising Newspaper Advertising News Service & Syndicate About Us

The Washington Post Company In the community PostPoints Newspaper in Education Digital Publishing Guidelines Partners

Capital Business Capitol Deal El Tiempo Latino Express Find&Save Foreign Policy Washington Post Master Class Parade Magazine Washington Post Tickets The Root Service Alley Slate StudentAdvisor Trove WP Wine Club washingtonpost.com © 1996- The Washington Post Terms of Service Privacy PolicySubmissions and Discussion PolicyRSS Terms of Service Ad Choices Section:/business/capitalbusiness

View the original article here

No comments:

Post a Comment