After long years of study, whether one hops out of school at the age of 16, or whether one wades through tertiary education, college or university, moving into the workplace is no mean feat.
The transition is a substantial one to deal with. Not many people know what to expect at this phase that bridges the long step from school to work. Making the transition smooth takes some preparation.
Several employers complain that new and especially young job-seekers and employees expect to be paid for the least possible exertion and effort.
First things first. Remember that when you are employed, you are being promised a wage package in exchange for a service you must deliver, whether this is a people service or a product service.
This means that even simply answering a phone call discreetly can make a difference. On the other hand, if you are being paid to produce products, then your productive work should meet specifications to allow the company to carry on with its production, or maintain its level of professionalism.
Remember also that your employer is entrusting you with responsibility, the running of the place, possibly money and possessions, as well as valuable stock. The employer is relying on you and your work to be able to further business/service/ enterprise.
The employer is not doing you a favour. What you share is a business arrangement. Contrary to your teachers at school, who taught you and trained you, your employer is only obliged to train you enough to help you acclimatise yourself to your new position and carry out your tasks safely and properly.
Your employer will expect you to draw on your own experience or previous training to carry out the job independently. Your employer won't tolerate any misbehaviour; cannot be patient with you if you decide not to turn up for work on time.
Having said that, your employer must have the employees' rights at heart. There are a number of civil, legal, health and safety rights you must be aware of. You should arm yourself with the basic knowledge of what these are.
Carry out your research well before taking on a new job, or signing contracts, so you know what to expect and what to demand.
If in doubt, don't do anything binding, play for time and get advice that will clarify your future position within the company.
To make things simpler, start by:
1. Being punctual. Train yourself to be on time, even before you start the new job. Punctuality is imperative and will eventually reflect on any chance for promotion or to be considered eligible for a wage increase.
2. Collaboration is tantamount. So, good communication between employer and employee is necessary. Ask questions - you are not expected to know everything all at once. If something is unclear, if machinery is difficult for you to handle, if you cannot perform a task - speak up.
3. Check who the best person to ask for advice or guidance is and always make sure he or she is your superior and directly responsible for your work.
4. Avoid creating unpleasant friction between colleagues by speaking to the right people. Be cautious about taking initiatives until you know the ropes well.
5. Get ready for back-stabbing and watch out not to get caught in nasty workplace games.
6. Do not try to sidle up to people you don't know well and take time to draw up conclusions about them. People behave differently in different circumstances - choose your new buddies carefully.
Ultimately you will discover, as your life at work develops, that wherever you work, whichever company you work for and whoever you have to deal with, you will find good and pleasant people just as likely as you'll find bad and difficult ones.
It is ultimately up to you to treat people fairly and honestly. Be prepared to work hard and with dedication. Be enthusiastic about things and courteous to people. The rest will take care of itself.
This article is by the Commercial Services Bureau, operators of www.vacancycentre.com. For more information, you can write to CSB Group at The Penthouse, Tower Business Centre, Tower Street, Swatar BKR 3013 or visit the website.