Having a fresh start, whether its the start of a new year, a new school, college or university, moving to a new hometown, or a new job, is a very delightful experience. Fresh starts lead you to a place outside of your comfort zone, but you’re ready to take the hit- with the will of an explorer, you try to learn and adapt to the strange world you are now a part of. To make sure the positive aura radiates all through the year, you need to plan ahead; make sure you’re well equipped with all the strategies and tricks needed to make a good, lasting impression, whilst working your way to the top.

University graduates plummet into the race to get employed as soon as they’re done with their final exams, many even before that. After searching thousands of job opportunities online, consulting career counselors, meeting up with relatives and friends that are already full-time employees at esteemed companies, they end up getting called in for an interview. If an interview goes well and you get yourself your preferred job, think of yourself highly, because you have what it takes to make it big already. Your interviewer has already judged your caliber in terms of smartness, confidence, and workability based on your quality university education or degree. All you need to do now is to prove to yourself and your respected workplace that you’re in it to win it. Those endless hours of going through lectures incessantly and preparing long university assignments mustn’t go to waste!

Here are some useful, practical strategies to put a pep into your step on your first ‘real job’.

• After-interview consultations

Once you’ve been awarded your job, and have had your starting dates scheduled, don’t rush out to go party. Take a breather and ask your employer or his/her secretary if any additional resources or rulebook/guidelines are available for you to go through before you show up to work on the set date. This will calm your nerves, knowing that you’re not starting from scratch, but scrap.

• Do the paperwork

Make sure you have all the needed documents by your side. Remember, your productivity is your greatest asset in the workplace, and you should always keep it top-notch and managed. Don’t annoy your seniors with a sluggish attitude towards documentation.

• Have a virtual presence

Be proud of your new job and update your social media handles, listing yourself as an employee on all of your accounts. It shows your enthusiasm and pride towards being a part of your workplace and helps strengthen an emotional bond between you and your co-workers. Be an active follower of your company’s social media handles as well, and catch up on their posts from the past year. If your company does not have active social media handles, research why, and put out the suggestion to create a collaborative website forum.

• Make the best of your first impression

Although it does not mean that you’re going to be hated by people if you’re clumsy the first day at work, it does make it harder for you to be the first choice in any new endeavor, as people are going to have weird initial opinions about you.

Making a great first impression is linked to the vibes you’re giving off. You need to perceived by others as an unbiased, firm, enthusiastic individual who is open towards constructive criticism. It’s not rocket science, believe us.

• Dress appropriately at all times. Your attire is what represents you as a confident, serious workaholic.
• Don’t excuse yourself by simply claiming that you’re new. It gives off the idea that you’re not capable enough to handle bigger projects and slows down the pace of a possible promotion in the upcoming future.
• Abide by the rulebook, and never question it. These are just some points where your co-workers and employer might get nit-picky. You don’t want to be treated like a troublesome child, do you?
• Don’t be hesitant to volunteer for projects and making yourself an option to consider by your boss or co-workers.
• Be punctual about arriving, and don’t be repulsive towards the idea of staying a bit longer than work hours.
• Give respect to gain respect. Everything starts going downhill when you decide who and who not ‘deserves’ being talked to in a polite tone. Be courteous to everyone, even the janitor.
• Steer free of gossip, workplace politics or passive-aggressive arguments. Always stay an unbiased employee who is open to talk to anybody and everybody, in a professional way, of course.
• Think of your co-workers as your tutors. You can learn a lot based on their past experiences.
• It’s better not to over-complement. It makes you look as if you have an ulterior motive behind your extra-sweet nature.
• Consult your superiors on an arising issue you have with your self written assignments before you send it to your employer.
• Put forward your ideas, but be sure that they’re relevant to the situation and have several references and research work to back them up. Don’t let the enthusiasm get the best of you!
• Be consistent throughout the year

After the initial first weeks of your new job, don’t lose the stance. Make sure you have something new to look forward to every day, by keeping tabs on upcoming collaborations, writing assignments, research work, and social events. Look at your work with a positive eye, and leave your comfort zone every once in a while. It makes you stay active and energetic towards your job and is a very noticeable feature in an intermediate level employee.

Your first job is all about gaining workplace experience and judging your adaptability towards the new strenuous atmosphere. It empowers you to become financially self-sufficient. If you’re practical and enthusiastic, you’re sure to make it big in your first job.