2 answers
Raquel
Student
La Ceiba, Atlántida Department, Honduras
3
Questions
Updated
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How should I present myself in today's job market?
I want to leave a good first impression when I enter a new workplace, what can I integrate into my presentation?
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2 answers
Sharyn Grose
CareerVillage.org TeamResume writing/career coaching, arts & entertainment
30
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Sharyn’s Answer, CareerVillage.org Team
Hi Raquel,
That is a great question! You do want to start with a good first impression because that can set the tone of how you are viewed in the workplace. The important thing in a new workplace is to demonstrate your value, meaning the skills you contribute and the impact you can make in your role. In today's job market, soft skills are valued a lot, such as critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving. By implementing these skills you create opportunities to have an impact. You also want to be adaptable, showing you can learn quickly and adapt to changes.
I had one job where I had to do plant inspections, making sure things were working correctly and instrument measurements were in the correct range. I had no experience, but I was ready and willing to adapt and jumped right in. In the midst of my tasks, I noticed that there was no formal documentation for what I did. I decided to create a procedure manual. I also created a trends report of plant performance so comparisons could be made on a monthly or even weekly basis to determine operations' health. Neither of those things was required or requested of me, but I saw the need. These actions stood out to my manager. I was not only recognized for my contributions, but my input and perspectives were highly valued within my team.
Hope that helps!
That is a great question! You do want to start with a good first impression because that can set the tone of how you are viewed in the workplace. The important thing in a new workplace is to demonstrate your value, meaning the skills you contribute and the impact you can make in your role. In today's job market, soft skills are valued a lot, such as critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving. By implementing these skills you create opportunities to have an impact. You also want to be adaptable, showing you can learn quickly and adapt to changes.
I had one job where I had to do plant inspections, making sure things were working correctly and instrument measurements were in the correct range. I had no experience, but I was ready and willing to adapt and jumped right in. In the midst of my tasks, I noticed that there was no formal documentation for what I did. I decided to create a procedure manual. I also created a trends report of plant performance so comparisons could be made on a monthly or even weekly basis to determine operations' health. Neither of those things was required or requested of me, but I saw the need. These actions stood out to my manager. I was not only recognized for my contributions, but my input and perspectives were highly valued within my team.
Hope that helps!
Cliff Schreier
54
Answers
Rochester, Minnesota
Updated
Cliff’s Answer
Hi Raquel,
I agree with Sharyn, that is a great question. I've been in the workforce for over 40 years. These are things I've seen that can help. Not all may be applicable, but some should be useful.
If you are interviewing for a job, spend a bunch of time to PREPARE: Learn about the company. Read their website. Understand what they do. Try to think about where you could fit into them. Think about questions you can ask an interviewer so it's obvious you are interested. If you can, tailor your resume so you can better show what you have to offer to the company. During the interview, PAY ATTENTION. SMILE. ASK QUESTIONS. SAY THANK YOU.
After the interview, ask the interviewer for feedback on how you did so you can constantly improve.
After you are hired, these things are the top things that will add to your presentation in the workforce:
- SHOW UP AND BE PRESENT. 80% of life is just showing up. Be there for your manager, your team, and your peers. Always be reliable. If you can't show up, make sure to let someone know and explain why.
- Dress appropriately. I've seen many types of inappropriate outfits (I'll let you use your imagination). Don't let how you dress drown out your voice
- Learn your role and that of those around you. Don't always wait for someone to tell you what to do, even when just starting out. LOOK FOR THINGS YOU CAN DO and do what you can as soon as you can. BE EAGER and SHOW WILLINGNESS TO HELP AT EVERY TURN.
- I believe you MAKE YOUR REPUTATION IN THE FIRST 3-5 YEARS IN YOUR ROLE. You will get some time to learn the job, but don't think you can rest for an extended timeframe once you get hired. SPEED KILLS, ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU GO TO SLOW (applies to work, not driving!)
- KEEP LEARNING. There are learning opportunities in every job. Understand the skills you need to make yourself more valuable in the job and GO GET THEM. Nobody will stop you from learning. If you're too busy during the workday, think about learning skills on your personal time.
- Continually ASK FOR FEEDBACK from your manager, team leader, and peers on a regular basis and TAKE IT TO HEART. I didn't start doing that for the first 10 years of my work career, but after I did, I improved my performance a lot.
- Actively participate in career conversations with your boss to see how you can improve your performance and even move up to other jobs.
- Understand the various company roles and responsibilities to better understand how things really function and where you might want to work in the future.
- Participate in team building activities and spend time to get to know your team members. These things may seem trivial and unimportant, but they are very helpful to your career. Use it to BUILD YOUR NETWORK. The old phrase: "It's not WHAT you know, it's WHO you know." has some relevance.
- Work on the wellbeing of yourself and others around you. Again, this might seem silly, but it's important.
- Find ways to GIVE BACK TO OTHERS through volunteering or giving money. Helping others give me the greatest sense of accomplishment.
- Work hard and forgive yourself for any honest mistakes you make.
I believe the phrase "Find a job that you love (or can learn to love) and you will never work a day in your life." is true. No job is without headaches, but if you choose to dwell on the GOOD vs. the BAD you can find fulfillment.
There is no free lunch. None of this advice is easy to do, but it's worth it.
Good luck to you!
I agree with Sharyn, that is a great question. I've been in the workforce for over 40 years. These are things I've seen that can help. Not all may be applicable, but some should be useful.
If you are interviewing for a job, spend a bunch of time to PREPARE: Learn about the company. Read their website. Understand what they do. Try to think about where you could fit into them. Think about questions you can ask an interviewer so it's obvious you are interested. If you can, tailor your resume so you can better show what you have to offer to the company. During the interview, PAY ATTENTION. SMILE. ASK QUESTIONS. SAY THANK YOU.
After the interview, ask the interviewer for feedback on how you did so you can constantly improve.
After you are hired, these things are the top things that will add to your presentation in the workforce:
- SHOW UP AND BE PRESENT. 80% of life is just showing up. Be there for your manager, your team, and your peers. Always be reliable. If you can't show up, make sure to let someone know and explain why.
- Dress appropriately. I've seen many types of inappropriate outfits (I'll let you use your imagination). Don't let how you dress drown out your voice
- Learn your role and that of those around you. Don't always wait for someone to tell you what to do, even when just starting out. LOOK FOR THINGS YOU CAN DO and do what you can as soon as you can. BE EAGER and SHOW WILLINGNESS TO HELP AT EVERY TURN.
- I believe you MAKE YOUR REPUTATION IN THE FIRST 3-5 YEARS IN YOUR ROLE. You will get some time to learn the job, but don't think you can rest for an extended timeframe once you get hired. SPEED KILLS, ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU GO TO SLOW (applies to work, not driving!)
- KEEP LEARNING. There are learning opportunities in every job. Understand the skills you need to make yourself more valuable in the job and GO GET THEM. Nobody will stop you from learning. If you're too busy during the workday, think about learning skills on your personal time.
- Continually ASK FOR FEEDBACK from your manager, team leader, and peers on a regular basis and TAKE IT TO HEART. I didn't start doing that for the first 10 years of my work career, but after I did, I improved my performance a lot.
- Actively participate in career conversations with your boss to see how you can improve your performance and even move up to other jobs.
- Understand the various company roles and responsibilities to better understand how things really function and where you might want to work in the future.
- Participate in team building activities and spend time to get to know your team members. These things may seem trivial and unimportant, but they are very helpful to your career. Use it to BUILD YOUR NETWORK. The old phrase: "It's not WHAT you know, it's WHO you know." has some relevance.
- Work on the wellbeing of yourself and others around you. Again, this might seem silly, but it's important.
- Find ways to GIVE BACK TO OTHERS through volunteering or giving money. Helping others give me the greatest sense of accomplishment.
- Work hard and forgive yourself for any honest mistakes you make.
I believe the phrase "Find a job that you love (or can learn to love) and you will never work a day in your life." is true. No job is without headaches, but if you choose to dwell on the GOOD vs. the BAD you can find fulfillment.
There is no free lunch. None of this advice is easy to do, but it's worth it.
Good luck to you!