First Job Traps

By Tatiana Serna, Campus Representative, University of Rhode Island

Peter Vogt, Monster.com senior contributing writer, writes about how you can be successful in your first job. He says you should avoid “first-job traps like these:”

‍Gossip: It's practically impossible to avoid office gossip, but you don't have to take part in it… Just be sure you don't generate any of it, especially when you're new on the job.

Political Battles: …there are certain people who don't get along with each other. In some cases, these damaged relationships go back for years and have become very bitter. …And it likely won't be much longer before both sides try to recruit you to their camp…Simply tell each person, individually, that while you understand he dislikes the other person, you don't want to be in the middle.

Trying to Revolutionize Your Job: If you bring the head supervisor a list of things that ought to be changed at work two days into your new job, you probably won't be praised for your initiative. Instead, you'll be seen as naive and perhaps conceited…You're far better off observing and learning when you begin your job.

Being a Know-It-All: When you were little, someone probably pulled you aside and said, "Nobody likes a know-it-all." ..You need to acknowledge what's being done, and why, in your new organization. Then make suggestions based on your own learning and experiences.

Isolation: When you're the new person, it can be difficult to get to know your new colleagues…So you need to make the first move. If you hear a few people are going to lunch, politely ask if you can join them…Chances are, your success -- or lack thereof -- in your first job will have little or nothing to do with your technical skills or academic knowledge. Instead, it will probably rest on your people skills and ability to fit into the organizational culture.”

When you get your first job you may think that the most important thing is to show off your knowledge, and impress people with your new ideas. Who would have thought that the most important things are to simply try and learn as much as you can, get along with your coworkers, and avoid conflict. I think these tips should be applied to all your present and future jobs. I personally have succeeded in my jobs due to my good work relationships, and my avoidance of gossip. This article gives great tips on avoiding problems in your first career job.