Unspoken Rules For Career Success And How To Use Them Properly

Guest Post by Jennifer Scott Starting a new job is daunting enough at the best of times. When you've managed to land a job in your dream industry, it can be downright nerve-wracking. There are all kinds of unspoken rules in the workplace. What if you get something wrong by accident?

This list will help you recognize the rules in your workplace and how to act on them. You won't have to worry about putting a foot wrong again.

Get to know your co-workers

It's vital that you get to know the people you're working with. You're now part of their team, so they need to know who you are and what you're like as a person. If you don't get to know them, it can feel as though you're an outsider who can't be trusted.

You don't need to throw a 'getting to know you' party right away. Instead, take a little time on your first day to introduce yourself to your new workmates. Just let them know who you are and where you'll be. Once you've done that, you can work on getting to know them. It never hurts to join after work drinks or meals, and you should take the time to talk to others during breaks and lunch hours.

Understand the company culture

Every company works differently, so you need to be aware of what is expected of you. This encompasses a whole range of ideas, from when it's acceptable to go home at night, to how much you're expected to donate towards birthday presents.

The trick here is to observe and follow what more experienced teammates are doing. How do they approach certain tasks? If you're unsure, ask. Your colleagues will be much happier to make things clear for you than for you to accidentally make a mistake.

Set up your workstation

On your first day, you'll be shown your workstation and expected to get started. A good employer will have already set up certain things, such as email addresses and login details. It's your responsibility to get everything else set up as soon as possible so you can get to work.

Log in to everything as soon as you can, to get them set up and ready for communications. Look at your physical needs at your workstation too. If you need paper, pens or other devices, ask where you can find them so you can stock up.

Have your paperwork ready

It's vital that you have the right paperwork in hand when you're starting a new job. It's needed to set you up with payroll and other systems. HR Manager Blake Baudinet from Best Australian Writers says, "If you don't have everything with you, it can cause friction and make the employers' job harder. It's much better to have everything ready at the start."

Before your first day, find out what you'll need from your workplace. Gather together the right paperwork, and bring it with you on your first day.

Be independent

As a new hire, of course you're going to need to ask questions. However, no one wants to hold your hand. You need to get up and running as soon as you can.

When you're being trained, pay attention and make sure you can do what is being asked of you. Ask for help if needed, but be ready to make your own decisions if and when needed.

These rules are usually present in every workplace. If you can follow them, you'll fit right in and start contributing right away. You'll always fit in with any job you take.

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Jennifer Scott is the business developer that works in different areas of education, technology, security and various types of online marketing. Prior to business developing Jennifer was a consultant at Deloitte, and managed security services provider and developer of a wide range of security solutions.