First impressions count
When starting a new job, it’s worth taking the time to get to know the people you’ll be working with from day one. Learning names, faces, skills, experience and interests quickly will help you to develop good working relationships and make collaborative work much easier in the future.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help
We’re often too stubborn to admit when we need a little help, out of fear of looking weak or a bit silly. But remember, everyone has to start somewhere, and asking for help from your colleagues is an essential part of the learning process. At any point in your career – and particularly when you’re just starting out – make sure you let others know if you need some assistance.
Be a risk taker
From the moment your career starts, be careful not to let yourself get too comfortable in a job. It’s easy to get stuck in a monotonous routine, where you stop learning new skills and end up getting a bit bored. If you find this happening to you, make an effort to step out of your comfort zone and face new challenges that allow you to grow. Set yourself new goals, take initiatives, and don’t be scared to try new things – that’s how you learn and develop professionally.
Have confidence in your ability
This may seem like one of those things that is obvious, but to have a successful career you need to have confidence in yourself. Learn to sell yourself and don’t be afraid of self-promotion – recognise what you do well, and if you achieve something that you are proud of, share it with your team. Celebrate your successes and keep a note of them for future reference. In particular, they will be useful if you want to pursue a promotion or decide to look for a new job.
Network, network, network!
Networking is often key to establishing a successful career. It might feel a bit awkward at first, but networking effectively will allow you to make connections that can help you progress in your chosen career. There are all sorts of places where you can find interesting people working in your field. These include networking events, your workplace, or even professional social media sites such as LinkedIn – so make sure you check out as many as possible in order to give yourself the best chance.
We hope this advice helps you to thrive in your new career. Good luck!
Articled produced in partnership with EURES, the European Job Mobility Portal.
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Details
- Publication date
- 20 June 2019
- Authors
- European Labour Authority | Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion
- Topics
- Hints and tips
- Youth
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