.png "Interview With Expat Saanika Gandhi, Author of Children's Book 'The Yellow Kite'")
We've gathered together some tips to share with you twenty somethings out there faced with your first, full-time job...
14 June 2016
| Last updated on 22 May 2017
We've all been there at one point or another, starting our first ever full-time job in our twenties... And we all can understand that it's a daunting thing. But never fear! You're not the only one facing the pressure, and we're sure you'll be absolutely fine once you've read our top tips to help you out!
Negotiate your salary
It might seem like a scary conversation, but with a spot of preparation and keeping track of your key arguments as to why you feel you deserve more than offered, you should be able to make a solid point when it comes to negotiating. You know what you deserve, so ask for it.
Don't chat on Facebook, text or whatever while working
Unless your job involves Faecbook and other social media platforms, ensure you don't get caught up endlessly and pointlessly browsing your friend's timeline, catching up on the latest gossip or messaging your friends constantly. It's unprofessional, everyone knows that.
Learn how to network
This is one thing you'll be happy you threw yourself into. Not only does it build your confidence and create valuable work-related connections, but it may also potentially present a new friend for you! When it comes to your job, establishing solid, trusted connections is a fantastic tool to have, and you don't know when you might need a favour, or two.
You might also be interested in:
- Helpful tips and advice for solo expats
- 9 interview tips to calm your nerves
- 15 lessons learnt as expatriates
Don't spill your life story to the person sat next to you
They don't care that your brother got a bust lip in football, or if you had a really bad experience with pizza on holiday. Nor do they need to know the inner depths of your twisted emotions.
Use your youthful enthusiasm to your advantage
Because showing that you're actively enthusiastic, aspirational and progressing is fantastic for both yourself, and it makes your boss look good. You always want to make your boss look good. Don't be afraid to bring up ideas that are youthful and modern, or different to what else is being said. Brainstorming and debates are a fantastic way to find the perfect idea. But don't get too enthusiastic, learn how to reign yourself in before your boss has a word.
Understand your soft skills
They're a whole set of skills that high school and university forget to tell us about. The fact you're self aware, self-confident, resilient, forgiving, persistent and patient all contribute to an all around fantastic employee, which you are.
After all, nowadays it's all about experience and people skills. As much as your academic qualifications may scream genius, nobody is going to hire you if you have no relevant experience or relevant interactions with the outside world, with other people. Because remember, communication skills is an important soft skill!
Say yes to everything
Literally throw yourself at every work-related opportunity that turns up. Act like you're the office test bunny when it comes to reviews, training courses, meetings and what not.
SEE ALSO: Chat with other expats on our bustling forum
Cooperate with everyone, even the person you don't like
Because the last thing you want to do is make yourself look unprofessional.
It's easy to get caught up with all the excitement of finally having money that you can use in exchange for nice things in shops. But don't get too carried away; this will be a hard lesson to learn for some of us, including myself, on how to handle our cash. Set a certain amount aside for savings, ensure you have your bills covered and then allocate a certain amount per week for the month.
Learn how to take criticism
It's perfectly fine that someone may have a different idea to you, or wish you had done something differently in a project or campaign. It's absolutely fine if you did something wrong... You apologise, rectify the issue and learn from your mistake. Nobody is perfect, not you or your colleagues or the person who may be lending the criticism. But every day is a learning opportunity so embrace it.
What tip(s) would you add to my list? Is there anything you agree/disagree with? How do you cope with your first job as a twentysomething?
.png?itok=EH_x0Pha "Experience Extended Stays and Special Savings at Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort UAE")
