Source | LinkedIn | Patrick Leddin, Ph.D.
Over the last several years, I have asked recent graduates from Vanderbilt University to tell me what behaviors have been helpful to them as they start their careers. After listening to the feedback from dozens upon dozens of young professionals, five behaviors have come up more often than others as key to ‘getting it right’.
Let’s face it, joining a new workplace at any age can be daunting!
Although simple, and seemingly straightforward, these 5 things are often forgotten or overlooked in the rush of beginning a new role. By practicing and applying these skills, you will help yourself quickly become a standout among your peers.
1. Write follow up emails
Everyone likes to be appreciated and acknowledged, so it’s safe to assume that your clients, peers, and managers will be happy to receive follow-up emails. However, workplace inboxes are constantly flooded with information and requests. Keep follow-up emails brief and to the point, even including the purpose of the email in the subject line (i.e. “Response Requested: Follow Up Action Items from Today’s Meeting”). Let your reader know within the first sentence if a response or follow-up work is required on their end.
2. Answer the phone promptly and correctly
No doubt at some point you have fumbled through an awkward phone call, whether it was a wrong number or odd request. Keep yourself from being that person, by always answering your phone promptly and correctly. Shy away from lengthy monologues (unless required by your organization.) State your name and organization upfront and allow the caller time to respond to you. For example, “Thank you for calling Spot-On Leaders. This is Jack.”
3. Dress to impress
In the day and age of coffee shop workplaces and sit/stand desks, it can be hard to know what to wear in your new office. Don’t be afraid to ask for clarification on company dress code. Trust us, whoever hired you will want you to show up looking your best as you are a direct reflection of him or her. For some workplaces, “casual” may still mean button downs and dress shoes, while for others it may be flip flops and shorts. Never be afraid to ask your recruiter and then verify with your co-workers.