Your first job is your entry into the professional world and there are things you should know before you settle in. The more information you have at your disposal, the better because it enables you to navigate the work environment with ease.
Transcending from college life into the professional world/real world can be tricky if you’re not armed with enough information that’s why you need to take note of certain factors upon securing your first job ever.
What You Should Know Once You Get Your First Job Ever
Here are 9 important things that you need to know when entering into the work environment for the first time.
Dress Code
Most companies have a standard dress code policy, you should follow that and always look fresh and presentable – starting from your first day at work, make sure you dress as professionally as possible. Avoid wearing casual attire that does not adhere to the said policy.
Time Keeping
Companies operate on working hours and you need to respect that. Check in your offer letter to make sure of the time you are supposed to report for work in the morning and if you are not sure, ask.
Check how long it will take you to get to the office before you start work. Make sure you leave early enough so that you are not late. From there, you will know what time you can leave home to be on time.
Your Salary
Your salary is your business. In most organisations, it is deemed unacceptable to discuss it with others in the office. Salaries are usually paid monthly unless otherwise specified and normally paid anytime from the 25th to the end of the month. If you don’t have a bank account you will need one. Ensure that you have opened a bank account before joining the organisation – or payment of your salary will be delayed. Salaries have deductions such as taxes etc. If you are not sure what the deductions are, request your payslip, which will give you a detailed breakdown of what the deductions are.
Company Process
Companies have processes, if you are not feeling well to go to work, you need to call your supervisor and let them know. If you are off work for 2 days or more, you will need to produce a doctor’s note and if you want to take leave – you need to apply for it – this may need to be done by filling in a form, or by applying for leave on a system.
Office Equipment
If you use equipment such as the company laptop, ask if you are allowed to take it home. This is company property and must be looked after.
Emails
Emails in the office must only be sent to people either within the organisation or customers or people you are doing business with outside of the company. Find out what your company’s IT policies are and adhere to them. Email Etiquette is also key: always start your email off in a business manner, always use your spell check. You cannot use slang, or spell like you would when chatting to your friends.
Using The Internet
It is imperative to be aware of the company’s internet use policy. In most companies, employees are prohibited from using social media platforms such as Facebook and YouTube during working hours, thus spending time on social media will get you into trouble.
Your Phone At Work
Phones can be a distraction so your phone should be put away during working hours. If you receive personal calls – rather call them back during your lunch hour. The same applies to spending time on Facebook on your phone during working hours; it is not a smart move.
Confidentiality
The information you are exposed to at work must remain confidential. You are now seen as an ambassador of the brand wherever you go. Be proud of where you work.
Final Thoughts On What You Should Know About Your First Job Ever
Ask! Ask! Always remember, smart people ask; that’s how they learn. Don’t hesitate to ask if you’re unsure about anything in your new professional environment. Stay observant and keep learning as much as possible.
What did you do in preparation for your first job ever?