In Spain, the leap from college to the first job is not an easy one if we take numbers into account: unemployment rates for those under 25 reached 32.7%, according to statistics published by the European statistical office Eurostat. Knowing how difficult getting a first job is, many recent graduates may feel uncertain about how to behave and how to stand out at work. Not only to keep their job, but to begin their career development. These are some advices from diverse HR specialists in order to overcome that situation:
Never stop learning
When you arrive to your first job, you’re not expected to know how to do everything properly from the get-go. What is expected, however, is that you’re willing to learn and that you assimilate the teachings you’re being provided with. Besides, it’s extremely important that you continue training and not get stuck with just the knowledge you acquired during your academic stages. The best option is to choose a company that provides continuous training for staffers and prospects of developing your career. Even if you’re fresh from college, you must focus on setting a professional development plan that allows you to grow in your first job.
Find a mentor
Related to the previous point, finding a mentor is a good option to help you lay out a career plan. In addition, during your first months in the company he will serve you as a guide. When you arrive to your first job, try to choose an experienced person who shares your values and is on the same page as you.
Build professional relationships
Networking is essential for the development of your career. It’s important that you work towards building a good relationship with your colleagues at work. They can be professionals in other departments that give you the chance to broaden your vision of the company. A tip would be to try to interact face to face instead of via email so that trust is gradually built between the two parties.
Show initiative
The days when your professor assigned you a task to be accomplished within a given time frame are gone. Your manager is not going to be telling you what to do all the time. Look for a way to help the team, one that makes your contribution necessary. Do more of what’s expected from you. Think about how to improve the way things get done by the team. When putting a proposal forward, remember to do it resolutely and confidently, but be humble.
Don’t say “I don’t know”
When you arrive to a new position in your first job, it’s normal that there are some things you’re not able to do, but do not verbalize it right away. Try to learn how to do it, do some research, study, ask a colleague for some help. It’s essential that you find solutions and do not give up easily.
And don’t forget the most important thing… work hard!
Although your behaviour and attitude are important, your work and results will speak for you eventually. Show dedication, determination and passion for your job. Show your value and knowledge, so that your colleagues and managers are certain that they can count on you. Meet the deadlines, even try to finish tasks in advance if you can so that there’s enough time to check them through. This way you will show that you can take charge.
These pieces of advice will help you stand out in your first job and get a more stable position, so that you can elude those statistics claiming that 90% of contracts signed by people under 25 in 2018 were temporary.
Sources: Forbes, Business Insider, US News, Expansión and El País.