You’ve finally landed your first office job, an exciting accomplishment for any college student. But what comes next? The idea of working in an office can be a daunting one without the knowledge of how to handle a business call or how to use the copy machine.
There are many things that might go awry when testing the waters in a new place of work, but there are also plenty of opportunities for things to go right. Luckily, with a guide of how to use your hidden assets correctly, you’ll find yourself becoming one of the most valuable members in the workplace. Even if you feel yourself shaking in your boots on the first day of your new job, these unspoken rules of the office will seem like second nature in no time.
Ditch the sweats and wear something that’s both comfortable and makes you feel good about yourself. Wake up 10 minutes earlier to take a shower and grab coffee. By the time you get to the office, you’ll feel refreshed and ready to start your day without looking like a zombie.
While you’re at Starbucks getting your morning fix, grab some extra and bring it into your coworkers and boss. This simple action can go a long way: It’ll make you memorable in the best kind of way and earn you brownie points in the office. You never know when a small gesture like that will bring you good karma in the workplace.
Use your confidence as a tool to accentuate your presence in the office. Stand tall, consider following the current trend of having pensive eyebrows (that are bound to pierce the soul of any coworker or boss that looks your way), and practice that perfect handshake that exudes conviction of your immense knowledge (even if you don’t have any … yet).
Always assume that your boss is watching every move you make. Remain calm, and don’t feel paranoid; your boss is not stalking you, but it is their job to keep an eye on the work you do in the office.
Take this type of surveillance as an opportunity to show off your tidiness, organizational skills, and ability to work efficiently. Rather than seeing organization as a chore, view it as a way to impress your boss and gain status in the workplace.
Leave the obscure collections (e.g., snowglobes, Beanie Babies, and Pokemon cards) you may be inclined to bring to the office at home. It’ll help keep you on task and give your desk an uncluttered look to it, which is always a sleek way to impress the boss.
Also remember that while social media platforms can be fun and playful, they should be a separate entity from the workplace. Social media has become one of those gray areas related to work: What is OK to post on your Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook page?
A good rule to follow: Anything that you wouldn’t want to show your grandmother is probably inappropriate for your place of work as well. This means you should not post scandalous photos, you definitely should not slander your coworkers and boss, and you should at least try not to post status updates that could make you the laughing stock of the office.
In addition to the private sphere, social media has become a great platform for the workplace too. Instead of spending too much time on your personal social media accounts, focus your attention on how these social platforms can help with promoting the company you work for. Businesses are always looking for young people to aid in making Facebook pages and Twitter accounts to market what they have to offer, and being the trendy, well-connected college student you are, you have the savvy it takes to do this for them.
Lastly, use the social etiquette rules you were taught as a child. It may seem trite, but be polite, be kind, and be receptive to others’ needs and interests. Say hello to your coworkers walking through the hall, do your best to make small talk and remember people’s names, and don’t forget to say a simple “thanks.” You never know when you’ll need someone to be there for you, and helping a boss or coworker out can go a long way.
Reach writer Rebecca Gross at specials@dailyuw.com. Twitter: @becsgross
