How do I Succeed in My First Job? Asking for a Friend

3 Practical Ways to Show Up Strong as You Start Your Career

You’re new to your career. Maybe this is even your very first job. You want to get it right and have smooth sailing from the start. Excellent. Let’s start with three practical tips that make your new career easier. Oh, yeah, and this advice works great for your second, third, and thirteenth job too 😉

1. Start with this 6 word Powerful Phrase

This Powerful Phrase works wonders with your manager, your co-workers, your customers, and other key stakeholders.

I can’t think of anyone who doesn’t want to hear these words said sincerely, from someone with a reputation of following through.

“How can I be most helpful.” 

Whether this is your first job, or you’re looking to enhance your reputation in a role you’ve been in for a while, showing up genuinely supportive and ready to help is like a fast pass to a great reputation. (Of course, asking is the first step. Next, you need to act on what you hear. Find a way to be helpful in the areas others care most about.

2. Ensure You Understand the “Why” Behind What You’re Doing

As you begin your first job, you want to show that you’re not just a hard worker, but someone who gets the big picture and spends time working on the most important things.

Of course, tone of voice matters.

“Why are we doing this,” said sarcastically won’t do your new career any favors.  But asking genuinely curious questions about the bigger picture, or checking for understanding about how the work you’re doing will be used, opens the door for you to share ideas and contribute at a deeper level.

3 Invest in building relationships through better communication

Our new book Powerful Phrases for Dealing with Workplace Conflict: What to Say Next to De-Stress the Workday, Build Collaboration and Calm Difficult Customers gives you practical, tactical ways to do this well– starting with four dimensions of collaboration: connection, clarity, curiosity and commitment– and powerful phrases for when your new job starts to go sideways.

More Articles You Might Find Helpful As You Start Your New Job

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Fuel Your Career: 17 Critical Skills When You’re a Young Leader Hungry For Success

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