How To Succeed at Your Graduate Job

Graduate working on laptop at work

Starting your first graduate job is very exciting, but it’s perfectly natural to also feel a bit nervous about it too. You’ll be navigating a new environment, adjusting to full-time work, plus meeting different people - it’s a big shift! Whatever your new graduate job is, our practical tips are sure to help you succeed in your new role, and ensure you make a positive and professional impression on your new employer.

What to expect on your first day (and first few weeks)

Your first day is likely to consist of lots of onboarding procedures, such as introductions to your team and the wider department, setup of any necessary systems, health and safety briefings, and perhaps some initial training sessions. You might experience some information overload on your first day – but don’t worry, this is completely normal, and most people feel like this when they start a new job! Be patient and kind to yourself and remember that you are not expected to know everything straight away. Give yourself time to adjust, and soon enough you will have all the information and knowledge you need.

In the first few weeks of your new job, it’s unlikely you will be given lots of high-pressure tasks right away. Instead, use the time to help yourself settle in and get to know your colleagues, whilst observing how things work, and asking all the questions you need.

Communicating effectively

Communicating in a professional environment might be new to you if you have just left university, but strong communication (both written and verbal) is one of the most important things you’ll need to succeed in your new job. When starting out, try to:

  • Be clear and to the point - avoid long-winded emails, or using terms/jargon that others might not understand
  • Use a professional tone. Even if your workplace seems relaxed, start formal and adjust as you learn the culture
  • Actively listen to your colleagues, and do not interrupt when they are speaking  
  • Check your understanding – don’t be afraid to ask questions or repeat back actions if something isn’t clear
  • Use communication channels appropriate to the message – for example, you would write an email to update a senior manager on a particular project, rather than using an instant chat message app

Asking for help

You might think that asking for help if you get stuck will make you seem ‘weak’ to your employer, but in fact the opposite is true – knowing when to ask for help is actually a sign of strength. If you’re stuck on a task for more than 30 minutes, try to resolve it using tools or guidance that you have been given. If that doesn’t work, ask a colleague or manager for support, and explain what you have already tried so that they can understand how to assist you effectively. Don’t be afraid to ask questions too as the process or task is explained to you, as this will demonstrate you are engaged and eager to learn.

Dealing with setbacks/challenges

It’s likely when you are starting out in your role that you might encounter some setbacks or make an error, such as misunderstanding a task or missing a deadline. If you do something wrong, the most important thing to remember is that everyone makes mistakes, and it’s how you deal with them that counts. Employers will not expect perfection; instead, if you can show you have taken ownership of your error, fixed it to the best of your ability, and learned from the situation, they will value your sense of accountability and resilience.

Building relationships

Success in the workplace doesn’t just rely on the tasks you complete; it’s also about making strong and positive relationships with the people you work with. Take the time to get to know your colleagues by being friendly, approachable and open to conversation - even a simple ‘hello’ in the morning can go a long way. Make an effort to learn everyone’s names, and show genuine interest and curiosity about their roles by asking plenty of questions. Try to attend any scheduled team socials or team-building activities as these are also great ways to build rapport!

Personal and professional development

Your first graduate job is the start of your career, and how much you grow and learn is partly in your hands. Use any opportunity you have early on in your role to discuss with your line manager your goals and what you hope to achieve within the first six months or year. Take full advantage of any training resources offered to you, and make sure to keep track of your progress. It’s a good idea to note down your key achievements, the milestones you reach, and any positive feedback you receive - this will come in useful for both appraisal meetings and future job applications.

Wellbeing

With all the change and adjustments associated with a new job, it is really important that you take care of yourself and prioritise your wellbeing at this time. It can be tempting to go all in to impress your employer, but pace yourself so that you don’t burn out. Make sure you take your scheduled breaks and annual leave, and respect your work-life boundaries.

Find out about and take advantage of (if needed) any wellbeing support that is offered by your company. This will obviously vary for different employers, but look out for things such as Employee Assistance Programmes, wellbeing workshops, staff networks or mentoring schemes.

Etiquette top tips

A professional work environment might be something completely new to you, so here are some top etiquette tips to help you settle in and make a positive impression:

  • Be punctual – arrive on time for your shift and meetings etc, this will show respect for others’ time
  • Dress appropriately for your work environment. If you are unsure to start with, aim for slightly smarter until you understand the dress code
  • Be polite and respectful to everyone you meet, from senior managers to support staff
  • If you are working in an open plan office, keep noise levels down and use headphones for video calls
  • Avoid office gossip and try to keep a positive mindset – your professionalism will be noticed

Summary

Although starting your first graduate job can feel daunting, keep our top tips in mind, and you’ll give yourself the best chance to succeed and thrive in your new role. Remember that you don’t have to have it all figured out from day one – be patient and kind to yourself, and try to enjoy the journey that you have ahead of you!