The importance of drawer snacks

and 10 other things you’ll need to know for your first job.

We’re sat wondering what first time workers should know that no one ever tells them..

1. How to make a great brew. At work, the drinks usually come in rounds – and the newbie needs to make a few. Get your order right even if you have to write it down. A good brew is a valued skill in the office, and will be a great ice breaker on your first day.

2. Pens. You’ll never, NEVER have too many pens. Stick ’em in your handbag, your drawer, on your desk but not in the pocket of a white shirt. (We’ll let you figure that one out yourself.)

3. Lunchtime. If you pop out and don’t offer to get anyone else anything you’re going to have some very jealous colleagues – especially if it’s something really tasty. Especially if it’s Friday.

4. Drawer Snacks. If you’re working in an office, it’s either 10.30am or 3pm and you bring out the bag of sweets, the box of cereal bars or maybe even cake – you’re going to be everyone’s best friend, including your own. There’s something about a desk that makes one very, very hungry.

5. Friends. A job without friends is pretty miserable, so get social. The more you enjoy your company at work the better – don’t do what I did in my first job, and convince myself that I’d be a much better worker if I shunned everyone and just got on with the job. I ended up dreading starting, counting down the seconds to leaving and eventually quitting. Your job is what you make it, so make it great.

6. Leaving at the end of the day. As a rule, offices don’t generally have ringing bells at hometime. You finish up your work, and leave when your working day is done. It’s kinda frowned upon for the newbie to leave bang on finishing time (at least for the first few months) and the same applies to starting in a morning.

7. Calling in sick. When you call in sick, you’re usually losing out rather than gaining anything. Unlike in school, where you benefit from no homework and a great day at home, when you’re sick from work you just have more work… and because the illness is genuine, a bad day at home. Sucks huh?

8. Ask silly questions. It’s a million times better than doing something wrong and potentially making a really costly mistake. Even if you feel annoying or stupid – you’re not expected to be an expert from day 1.

9. Shut up once in a while. As much as your new colleagues will want to get to know you, and as much as you’ll want to break the ice, talking constantly won’t make anyone like you. It’s hard to think straight when there’s never a moment’s silence, plus it gives the impression you have nothing better to do – even worse when you’re talking to a very busy person.

10. You might not like your first job. Certainly stick it out for a bit, but don’t be too disheartened if your gut tells you it’s just not the one for you.

 

Finally, good luck!